10 Foods I Would Eat For The Rest of My Life (if I had no refrigerator)

### 10 Foods I Would Eat for the Rest of My Life (if I Had No Refrigerator) - Key Insights **Introduction:** Thomas DeLauer opens with a survival scenario: if stranded without refrigeration, what 10 non-perishable foods would sustain health, muscle, and metabolism long-term. These selections focus not just on survival but on maintaining metabolic health, muscle mass, and even cognitive function through nutrient-dense foods. --- **1. Jerky or Fermented Meat Sticks:** DeLauer highlights the importance of high-protein, shelf-stable foods like jerky and fermented meat sticks. Fermentation enhances protein bioavailability and offers additional health benefits, such as bioactive peptides, which can aid digestion. Additionally, jerky provides much-needed sodium, especially in a salt-deprived survival situation, aiding hydration balance. **2. Parmesan Cheese Crisps:** Aged cheese crisps, like Parmesan, make the list due to their long shelf life and rich nutritional profile. DeLauer points to dairy fats as excellent for longevity, specifically mentioning C15 fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which promote health. These crisps also have microbial benefits thanks to their aging process, contributing to gut health. **3. Canned Sardines:** Sardines, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for brain health and cellular function, especially in a long-term survival situation. DeLauer emphasizes the role of Omega-3s in longevity, citing studies that show low Omega-3 levels can pose greater health risks than smoking. Omega-3s contribute to membrane fluidity and cardiovascular health. **4. Dried Sweet Potatoes:** Although carbohydrates aren’t essential for survival, DeLauer opts for dried sweet potatoes as a strategic source of fiber, antioxidants, and polyphenols. These nutrients are often associated with the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Sweet potatoes provide a small insulin spike that can aid recovery in physical exertion situations. **5. Cocoa Nibs or Cacao Powder:** Dried cocoa nibs are one of DeLauer’s choices for their potent antioxidant properties. He acknowledges concerns about oxalates and heavy metals but suggests choosing low-cadmium brands. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, essential for combating oxidative stress. It’s a calorie-dense option packed with health benefits. **6. Tallow:** Tallow, a rendered animal fat, is one of DeLauer’s choices for its near-infinite shelf life. Tallow is rich in saturated fats, making it a stable energy source that won’t spoil easily. In a survival scenario, it serves as a reliable backup food, providing essential fats when other food sources run low. **7. Macadamia Nuts:** Macadamia nuts stand out for their high monounsaturated fat content, which makes them stable and less likely to oxidize. Unlike polyunsaturated fats that can degrade quickly, macadamia nuts offer a healthy fat profile with a low Omega-6 index, reducing inflammation risks in a survival scenario. **8. Whey Protein Powder:** Whey protein is vital for muscle preservation, especially in limited-resource situations where strength might be needed. DeLauer touts whey for its high leucine content, which promotes muscle protein synthesis, and lactoferrin, which can help bind excess minerals in the gut. Whey’s high insulin response aids recovery, making it an excellent source for maintaining body composition. **9. Bone Broth:** Bone broth provides electrolytes, collagen, and gelatin, which aid in hydration and skin, joint, and gut health. In a monotonous survival diet, bone broth would offer variety and warmth, contributing to mental and physical well-being. **10. Olive Oil:** Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol, is selected for its longevity benefits. Although it can oxidize in a warm environment, its health-promoting properties, such as lowering inflammation and providing essential fats, make it a key addition to the survival list. --- ### Conclusion: DeLauer's choices prioritize health, longevity, and muscle preservation while considering factors like oxidation, nutrient density, and shelf life. His 10 foods provide a diverse array of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and some carbohydrates—while ensuring vital micronutrients like Omega-3s, antioxidants, and healthy fats are included. This list, while intended for a survival scenario, can offer insights into long-term health, even in everyday life.

My dad & his four brothers had an outdoor stone grill, icebox, hamburger meat and a small orchard of stone fruits & berries.

My “whole food” meal plan is FREE. Teaches how to eat for fat loss, muscle building and longevity. http://www.thomasdelauer.com/eatrealfood - consider it my “thank you” for subscribing to my channel and newsletter!

Thanks for the omega 3 tip. For those living with disrespectful smokers, bring on the sardines 😊

Thomas, you can make usefulness and relevance out of anything. Cheers sir!

Well, this is my first video as I prepare to become a "prepper"!

push ups on the boat lol - you got to look good for the Sea Lions

A secondary benefit of bringing tallow is that if you have the capability to create fire you then also have the capability to produce soap. Pot ash ( water strained through hardwood ash) + tallow + fire, and a lot of great exercise from a huge amount of stirring, and you end up with a soft mushy soap.

Damn Tom, you forgot about a water🤦🏽‍♂️😂😂

All good options for backpacking as well.