By MREs are designed to keep soldiers going in the field, but they can be unhealthy for people who spend most of their time sitting. They contain high levels of fat and sodium, which is not good for anyone.
They also can be quite heavy and occupy a lot of space in your bug-out bag, truck or camper. Fortunately, there are many other food options with extended shelf life that are healthier than MREs.
1. Calories
While MREs contain a significant amount of calories, they should not be considered as a long-term meal replacement. The human body absorbs natural nutrients differently than artificial ones, and the preservatives used in MREs can cause nutrient deficiencies with long-term consumption.
Studies have shown that soldiers eating only MREs lose weight and experience nutritional deficits, especially in the form of malnutrition and dehydration. In order to prevent these problems, it is recommended that you supplement MREs with a regular diet and drink plenty of water.
It is also a good idea to space out your MREs throughout the day, so that you are not consuming all of your energy at once. This will help prevent any energy crashes and keep you feeling energized longer.
2. Protein
According to USARIEM, MREs meet the Nutrition Standards for Operational Rations which ensure that soldiers receive adequate levels of calories, fat, protein and minerals. They also strive to educate service members about the nutritional content of their rations.
They suggest that if you’re eating mres regularly, it’s best to take a multivitamin and fiber supplement each day to counteract any digestive problems they may cause. Alternatively, you can add other foods with a long shelf life to your MREs like fruits, vegetables and grains.
There are a few MRE varieties that have more protein than others. One of them is the chicken chunks entree, which contains both white and dark meat and has the least amount of carbohydrates. Another option is the turkey chilli with beans, which has a higher protein content than most of the other options.
3. Fats
MREs contain a high percentage of fat, which is fine for soldiers out on the field and people who are expelling calories as they work, but in a sedentary survival situation (like sitting in a bivy sack waiting for the storm to pass), this can be problematic. Your body will not burn off the excess salt or fat and you’ll be in danger of developing high blood pressure.
There are ways to combat this issue though. Enhancing the flavor of the MREs with spices, condiments, and other additions can make them tastier and more enjoyable to eat, encouraging you to consume them regularly. Also, taking a daily multi-vitamin supplement can help protect your digestive system.
4. Carbohydrates
MREs contain a mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to provide a balanced source of energy. Carbohydrates provide the body with instant energy, proteins support muscle growth and recovery, and fats give you long-lasting energy.
MRE meals are packaged in retort pouches to make them shelf-stable. These pouches are heat-sealed to ensure the food doesn’t spoil during storage and do not require refrigeration or cooking.
When consuming MREs over a long period of time, it’s important to balance them with other sources of nutrients. High-protein foods like lean meats and nuts are great options. Increasing fiber and healthy fat intake is also essential. Lastly, drinking plenty of water will help prevent dehydration. For the best results, consume MREs in smaller meals throughout the day.
5. Vitamins
Despite not having enough calories for active soldiers, Uncle Sam packed these meals full of the vitamins and minerals they need to keep them fighting on the front lines. In fact, each MRE contains one-third of the military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals.
The only drawback to MREs is their lack of dietary fiber and the high fat, sugar, and salt content that can cause constipation. Fortunately, you can supplement your MREs with snacks like energy bars or dried fruits for extra calorie sources.
MREs were designed to be eaten in one sitting to provide the troops with a large dose of energy to power through their days of combat and specialized training exercises. As a civilian, however, you will burn far less energy and require only 2-3 MREs per day.