Emergencies and comfort foods

We are about two months away from the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, one for which we hoped would have been uneventful. We are cajoled, sometimes even threatened with the consequences of our neglect in preparation for this unpredictable season each year.

Preparation takes many forms, from the long- to short-term; from the safety of our property, in terms of construction and maintenance, to how we will survive when the eventuality happens, are just a few issues of concern. Many people have the 'Jamaica no problem' attitude and 'nat a ting a go happen dis time'. The thing that gets many people worried during a storm is food!

I remember, last Tuesday, overhearing a popular female radio personality asking her listeners to call in and name their favourite 'rain food'. The answers were interesting and got me thinking of mine, which can change according to my mood.

We all tend to desire some sort of comfort food at different occasions in our lives. Men, it is said, desire the substantial protein-rich items and women desire high-carbohydrate options, all for 'medicinal effect'. The desires seem to be in response to emotionally stressful situations.

Canned food

Included in our disaster preparedness kit should be convenience foods which can be consumed without the need for fire and large amounts of water. This would include canned foods such as corned beef, canned fish, crackers, powdered milk, nuts and so on. We, however, want to continue to eat as we normally would in a non-emergency situation.

On Wednesday evening, after Tropical Storm Nicole's devastation and a long day at work, I headed home to find some comfort food. I had no electricity (I have an electric stove) and did not feel motivated to set up my standby two-burner gas stove, so my husband and I headed out to dinner. The restaurants were all closed. Except for one with its aroma beckoning, and with long lines as Montegonians went after their comfort food.

I am sure a lot of these persons had canned food in their pantries like me, but we needed warmth and comfort and chicken seems to be a favourite of most Jamaicans. In an emergency or not, other meats take second place. But let us bolster our disaster stock.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian-nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.