I also have raised bed gardens, and, I am beginning to look at a 40 acre area in Northern Arizona, to build a shelter of rock and concrete.
You are right,....... I can live off the desert,....... and easily.
I used to teach certain classes in the desert survival areas as well.
In Special Forces, we had to go out for a week with just a knife and a compass and survive. Luckily for me, I was educated in a lot of the plants that are edible and have medicinal value. (comes from having a Cherokee Mother!)
Not sure about gaining the pounds though, most of the desert critters are pure protein and not a lot of fat/carbs.
But ,I can make a heck of a drink from prickly pear cacti, as well as really nice preserves!
I never cared for eating those cattails though!
YUCK!

At the present time we are now considering 6-8 greenhouses, with raised beds.
Due to the elevation and the cooler temps, we are considering an underground, forced warm air manifold system to keep the plants from freezing.
I am also in contact with local county ag extension agents regarding varied types of plants that will grow and proliferate in the area.
So far, apple trees seem to be one of the best!
Strangely enough, there are NO pine trees, NO pinon trees. Only 1 type, juniper.
But they are doing really well in that area.
Even the local javelinas seem to exist ok on the berries.
I'd hate to taste the meat from one though, probably 100% gin flavor!
The plan is to have several gardens and tree groves, with a variety of fruits and nuts.
Recent temps dropped to a low of 28, and the humidity was at 76%.
The winds average 25-35 mph, but nat'l weather service records shows high wind speeds of up to 65-70.
Now, it would be great to find some one with homesteading experience, or at least the ability to can foods!
I have a dehydrator with 12 racks, and a vacuum sealer unit already and have put them to good use.
Bill