If you are in the military, on many occasions, you will find yourself stuck with nothing but MRE packages for many days at a stretch. So, it is important that you know how to maximize MRE benefits.
To get the most out of your MRE meals, remember these tips:
1. Avoid using too much water when heating your food
Military MRE heaters require only a little bit of water to work properly. If you add more water, you will not help your heater work more efficiently. Instead, adding too much water will cause your pouch to suddenly burst open.
2. Remain wary of silica gels
MRE accessory packages contain a little packet that almost looks like salt. But, it is not salt. It is silica gel packet which assists in absorbing moisture. Do not confuse it with salt and eat it. As soon as you open your accessory packages, throw the silica gel packets away.
3. Get rid of the useless stuff
Instead of taking coffee mocha, applesauce and other such MRE packages with you, take things that actually help your health, like pork entrees, beef products, breads, and others. Trading your packages for other packages may not be always possible, but whenever possible, do it by all means.
4. Cut your exterior pouch very carefully
When you cut your pouch, do not just cut it any way that you see fit. Cut it carefully to keep the pouch intact. That will help you catch rainwear using your pouch later to utilize for various purposes.
5. Gather your spoons after using them
Do not throw the spoons away after using them. Instead, gather them one by one. You can make nice tongs to flip food using used spoons tied together with the help of duct tape.
6. Never ever eat more than one Military MRE package in a day
Some of the MRE foods taste delicious. So, once in a while, you may feel the urge to unpack another package after finishing one. Do not do that. If you eat more than one package of MRE in a day, you will inevitably gain weight. That is because each MRE package contains sufficient amount of nutrients to get you through one full day.
Note that most of the above military MRE tips apply in case of civilian MRE packages, too! So, whether you are in the military or not, be sure to make use of the tips.