How Long Could You Really Live Off Your Preps?

[StarlitNavigator]

Has anyone here actually tried living exclusively off their prep supplies, not just for a long weekend, but for a realistic scenario—say, 30 days or more? I keep running the numbers on my own stash, from food buckets to home-canned jars and even water catchment, and while it looks solid on paper, I know theory rarely matches reality. There’s always something overlooked—maybe spices, boredom with certain meals, or something as simple as running low on matches.

Curious how close your real experiences lined up with your calculations. Did you end up rationing sooner than planned? Did anything spoil unexpectedly or run out

 

[ChamomileCraze]

There’s always something overlooked—maybe spices, boredom with certain meals, or something as simple as running low on matches. Curious how close your real experiences lined up with your calculations. Did you end up rationing sooner than planned?

Absolutely right about spices—things get bland fast and that really wears on you. I also underestimated how quickly simple things like vinegar and oil run out, especially when you rely on basic pantry food. Rationing started earlier than I'd hoped, mostly to keep meals interesting and save a few creature comforts for rougher times. StarlitNavigator, did you find yourself craving any one thing in particular, or did it change week by week for you?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Spices were my downfall too—turns out bland oatmeal every morning gets old fast. Anyone else notice weird cravings for fresh greens, even just dandelion leaves?