By Lisa Snow
Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor

If, like me, you lost power for several days during the hurricane, you know how important it is to be prepared for whatever comes your way.  After you get your flashlights and batteries, stock up on these healthy food items to that need neither cooking nor refrigeration.

 

– Bottled water (it may seem obvious, but it’s THE most important thing to have!)

 

– Trail mix (with organic brands like Go Hunza offering dozens of flavors, you’re sure to find at least one you like.  For those with nut allergies, brands like Enjoy Life and Go Raw make nut-free blends based on seeds.)

Benefit: protein, healthy fats

 

– Coconut water (try the plain flavor from ONE or Zico — be sure to choose a brand and flavor with no added sugar — coconut is naturally sweet)

Benefit: stay hydrated and get all the electrolytes of Gatorade, but without the corn syrup!

 

– Protein powder & a shaker bottle (vanilla flavor Vega One tastes great in either water or milk. It has no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners.  The “Blender Bottle” made by Sundesa works the best of all the brands I have tried.  It doesn’t require electricity or even batteries.  Instead, manual shaking activates a little metal whisk for incredibly creamy shakes.)

Benefit: protein, fiber, antioxidants, probiotics, and EFAs

 

– Almond milk (my favorites are Pacific and Blue Diamond)

Benefit: cholesterol-free alternative to dairy milk with less fat and calories.  Unlike dairy, it’s shelf stable until you open it.  (Be sure to buy the type of almond milk not sold in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.)  While almond milk usually sold in quart size, single serving containers are available.  For those with nut allergies, coconut milk and oat milk (yes, actually made from oatmeal) are widely available.

 

– Boxed soups (for example Imagine or Pacific)

Benefit: delicious way to get your daily vegetables, even if you can’t keep fresh veggies in a fridge.  They can be eaten room temperature or heated.  Eating boxed soups helps you avoid the BPA and other harmful chemicals found in canned goods.  Most but not all flavors are gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, but read labels carefully if you have food allergies.

 

– Protein bars or granola bars (For protein bars, try Organic Food Bar “protein” flavor and Vega berry flavor.  For granola bars, try Cascadian Farm or Nature’s Path.  Avoid bars made with soy protein isolate, since it is processed with petroleum products!)

Benefit: complete plant proteins and healthy fats.