Oh here we go, the first hurricane of the season is upon us! I’m less worried about the actual storm and more upset that I had to postpone Ecopest. After moving house, I thought we’d give the house a quick spray.

I have a low, low tolerance for cockroaches and I wanted to be sure. Then along came my first centipede …. Holy moly, I was not ready for that.

There I was, sitting on the sofa and unwinding after a crazy day. I pulled my feet up after spotting what I thought was a roach on the floor, peeked over the edge of the cushions to check … and there it was.

Six inches of prehistoric looking, scream-inducing creepiness. The poor Irishman’s soul briefly left his body as he catapulted himself into the living room, thinking I had spontaneously gone into labour.

He then valiantly captured the monster in a bucket while I began packing my things. We only just moved in, but unfortunately now we’re going to have to move out.

OK fine so we are not moving out, but this did mean I was more excited than ever for Ecopest.

I know centipedes are somewhat invincible, but it still gives me hope.

I’m also investigating every crack and every drain to see if I can prevent one getting in again.

Ironically, the centipedes hunt roaches, so I know I should be welcoming them. But they are also carnivores in general and I’m somewhat worried that includes humans.

Anyway with Ernesto on his way and Ecopest waiting in the wings, my hurricane prep now includes shopping for grenades, flame-throwers and anything that might protect me from a centipede while I’m locked inside the house.

I should probably buy some food and water too, and on that note, so should you! If you haven’t already got a few supplies in, now is the time.

And it doesn’t have to be Cheetos and soda, you can be pretty healthy during a hurricane you know! Here are some tips to get you started.

Have a healthy hurricane – quick tips:

1, Choose healthy party drinks

If you are getting through the hurricane with an alcoholic drink in hand, then go for wine, red is best, champagne, lower in sugar, or a white spirit, vodka or gin with a sugar free mixer, naturally flavoured sparkling water is great, and a wedge of lime.

For kids, try weaning them onto naturally flavoured sparkling water too (Spindrift, Nixie) or if it must be something sugary then just try diluting real fruit juice with sparkling water and lots of ice.

2, Give your chips an overhaul

My favourites are the Lundberg brown rice chips that get the thumbs up from company every single time. They are packed with wholegrains and the flavours are all natural. No artificial colours either. Have them with hummus or guacamole for a hearty snack. Hippeas also get the thumbs up from me. However, try to do a combo of chips and fresh veggies when you are enjoying dips. No reason you can’t cut up some peppers, cucumber and carrots in a storm!

3, Pasta and soup!

If the power is out and you’re cooking off a one-ring camping burner, try cooking pasta, draining it and then adding soup. If you have some spinach in the fridge that’s getting warm, then add a handful of that too. Most grocery stores have some really healthy soup options, just keep sodium and sugar on the lower side. Also avoid anything with MSG (monosodium glutamate) which can trigger migraines and hyperactivity as well as overstimulating taste buds, leading to junk food cravings. It’s easy to do this on a BBQ if you don’t have a camping stove.

4, Fresh food

Realistically, you can still eat fresh food from your fridge for a day or two so make sure you do have some fruit and salad in there somewhere! Just because there isn’t any power doesn’t mean you have to be on a strict diet of chips. Skip the berries because they go off so quickly, but kiwis and oranges are two great examples that are packed with antioxidants and last a while in the heat.

5, Easy protein

Protein keeps you full for longer but you don’t want to be dealing with semi-defrosted chicken. Eggs are easy on a camping stove, scrambled, omelette or boiled, and smoked salmon is so handy too. Mixed beans (try Amy’s chilli) and hummus are great sources of vegetarian protein. Nuts, seeds and dried organic edamame are quick and easy snacks. Stock up on the lower sugar Kind bars (Nut & Spice range) and the high protein Go Macro bar options too.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in Britain. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda