While eating mac and cheese and s’mores by the campfire comes close to a spiritual experience for me, it isn’t exactly the best for your body (sometimes you just have to do it for your soul though). I spent the majority of the summer camping and on the road, and I knew that if I ate mac and cheese and s’mores for three months straight my body was going to revolt. These tips are exactly what I used, and I came home feeling better than ever (although I was excited to wake up in the middle of the night and pee in an actual bathroom).
Plan
This is absolutely crucial and I can’t stress it enough. I know that part of the fun of a road trip is the spontaneity and not being on a strict schedule. But don’t worry! All I’m asking for is a little bit of meal planning. It’s really hard to make smart decisions when you’re starving and pull into a gas station late at night. Plan your week! Make it easy on yourself and do everything you possibly can in your kitchen before you leave. Having real counter tops and a stove come in pretty handy while cooking. Prep as much as you can so when you get into camp late at night your veggies are already cut up and everything is ready to go.
One of the rare times we actually had a table to cook on
Bring Snacks
Driving can be boring, and I know when I’m bored I eat. Have fruits, nuts, and other easy snacks readily available. Keep all of the yummy indulgent things in the back so they aren’t easy to get to. Just say no to gas station food (except pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)! I always have pumpkin seeds with me, the slightly salted ones are my favorite. They are packed with protein and are easier to eat than sunflower seeds.
Drink Water
Even if this means you’re going to be peeing every half hour. Repeat after me… It is ok to stop the car so I can pee. In fact, you should have everyone thank you for giving them a chance to stretch their legs. Sitting all day is one of the worst things you can do for your body.
Find a Farmers Market
Keeping veggies fresh in a cooler is a real challenge. Its like the cooler suddenly becomes this magical destroyer of all living things. Vegetables wilt, freeze, or get waterlogged. But just think of this as another opportunity to explore where you are. Find a local farmers market and pick up whatever veggies you need for the next few days. Cant find a famers market? Its probably worth stopping at a grocery store daily or every other day to buy veggies.
Cook Once, Eat Twice
This is something I recommend to all my clients, but it’s especially useful if you’re traveling. Make enough for dinner that you can eat leftovers for lunch the next day. This way you can easily grab a healthy lunch out of the cooler that takes zero time and saves you from stopping at McDonalds for a burger.
Explore
Its about balance remember! You’re in a new place and there are probably some awesome restaurants around. Go explore! You can be healthy and still indulge every now and then.
Let me know what other tips and tricks you have for staying sane and healthy on the road!
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