Settling for microwavable TV dinners and heavily processed and preserved foods doesn’t have to be your reality on the open road. Eating deliciously nutritious meals is easy and accessible with the following tips in mind and comprehensive recipes in your repertoire.
One great piece of advice is to keep a conscious eye out for fresh produce that you come across on your adventures. From small fruit and vegetable stands on the side of dirt roads, to large farm markets sprawling across several city blocks, be sure to take advantage of these gold mines whenever possible. Starting with staples like farm fresh eggs, avocados, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, potatoes, carrots, greens, apples, berries, bananas and citrus, you can add and subtract your produce choices based on availability and specific cravings. Using fresh,
organic produce as your foundation is the ultimate way to ensure you’re maximizing your nutrient input.
Along with fresh, organic produce, stock up on your favorite kitchen oils (flaxseed, olive,coconut, avocado, peanut, etc.) and spices, garlic, and keep a rotating stash of fresh herbs for that extra pizzazz (we love having rosemary and parsley readily available!). Peanut butter, fruit preserves, quinoa, granola, yogurt or kefir (kefir can be a better option if you’re looking to add more probiotics to your diet), oats, hummus, cheese, nuts and seeds are some of the items necessary for the following meal plans - but switching things up is what life is all about. Take our ideas and make them your own. Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with it! You may create your new favorite, healthy meal.
Disclaimer - we will be vague in explaining recipes with the intent being to allow your own creative process to blossom along with respecting your preference on how healthy you’re trying to be at that specific meal time. For example, when we say use oil, you can use ultra-healthy flaxseed oil or you can use not-so-healthy salted butter; we want you to make these meals yours. As far as wraps and breads go, choose whatever you are most comfortable with; we also want you to savor these meals! Pick a whole grain wrap or super seedy bread if you’re looking
for a healthier option, but we won’t judge you for snagging your beloved flour tortillas or go-to white bread. The most important components here are fresh (ideally organic) fruits, vegetables and greens.
Breakfast Ideas
Hard Boiled Eggs - (Farm fresh eggs would be YUM here!) These are great to have on demand for SO many things. Eat them as a protein packed breakfast or dress them up by spreading them on your favorite toast with avocado, tomato, greens, a sprinkle of herbs and a squeeze of fresh citrus juice (you can leave the egg out here and use a vegan bread for a vegan toasty!).
Breakfast Burritos - Using your preference of burrito roll-up (whole grain wraps, lettuce wraps, pita breads, etc.), stuff in whatever produce you have available. Frying some eggs is always an option to add to this comforting handheld meal. Sautéing vegetables in your favorite herbs and spices first takes this meal to the next level, but if you’re in a hurry, raw vegetables can be just as delicious! Add your favorite cheese and some greens and you have the breakfast of champions.
Overnight Oats - These are the easiest option because they involve past you doing all the work! Jokes aside, overnight oats are super easy (and fun!) to prepare and make a quick breakfast extra tasty. At night, combine oats with your favorite milk or milk substitute (you can also opt for water here), fruits, nuts and seeds for some added texture and nutritional value (we suggest chia seeds!). Tuck your covered concoction in the fridge overnight and just like magic, you have a ready-to-devour meal in the morning.
Oatmeal - Just add fresh fruits and some cinnamon!
Yogurt/Kefir - Add granola, fresh fruits, nuts and seeds (coconut flakes are an amazing addition to this!).
Lunch Ideas
Peanut Butter and Fruit Preserves - Spread on your favorite toast. Add banana slices for a little oomph. To make this classic extra healthy, forget the toast, slice the banana in half and make a PB&J banana split!
Charcuterie - This can be made with or without dairy and meat. Use any cheese(s), meat(s), nuts, seeds, spreads, fruits, vegetables and condiments that sound yummy to you! A charcuterie board could also be an efficient way to get rid of whatever little amounts of things you have laying around that need to be eaten before expiring or to make space.
Wraps - Take your favorite wrap (whole grain, lettuce, pita, etc.) and load it up with fresh vegetables and hummus. Adding spinach, beets and feta here is a pro move!
Egg Salad - Using your handy hard boiled eggs, make an egg salad and eat as is with some vegetable slices or spread on your choice of bread.
Dinner Ideas
Salads - Using your array of fresh greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, go wild! This is also one of those meals that can be utilized to eat up items that are about to expire or that you want to get rid of. Oil, fresh citrus juice and your choice of herbs and seasonings will make a delicious salad dressing; add avocado for a thicker consistency.
Veggie Soup - Toss any and all vegetables into a large pot with water and let simmer for about two hours. Don’t forget to add your garlic and parsley here! Serve alone or with some homemade garlic bread.
Potato Salad With a Twist - Take baked potatoes (or boiled if you don’t have an oven - throw thoroughly washed whole potatoes in a large pot with cold water in order to cook them more evenly and then begin to boil) and drizzle oil (option to add apple cider vinegar here for more flavor and heath benefits) over split, cooled potatoes. Toss chopped vegetables over the top (whatever you desire/have in your kitchen) and boom - a much healthier take on potato salad.
Sautéed Vegetables and Quinoa - Toss a bunch of chopped vegetables in a sauce pan with oil, seasoning and herbs and cook to desired tenderness. Spoon over some cooked quinoa and crisp greens and dinner is served! If you can’t escape the warm evening weather, skip sautéeing the vegetables and keep them raw for a cooler meal.
Dessert Ideas
Rocky Road Peanut Butter Bites - Take peanut butter, honey, pure vanilla extract, brown rice cereal, oats, coconut flakes and dark chocolate and combine in a large bowl. Form mixture into small balls and then roll in your choice of finely chopped nuts. No baking is required and these finger-licking-good sweets are packed with energy!
Fruit Crumble - Simmer your fruit in a saucepan over low heat with some cinnamon for about a half hour and sprinkle with cooked oats and honey (or maple syrup!) over the top when ready. Go ahead, eat it right out of the pan!
We highly encourage investing in a quality juicer as well as a strong blender if you’re looking to truly live your healthiest road life. Juicing in the mornings (or at any meal time!) is a great way to soak up as many nutrients as possible in a manageable amount to consume. There are tons of juicing recipes out there - our suggestion is to start with fruits and vegetables that you love and then begin to branch out and get weird with it (our favorite combination is carrot, apple, lemon, beet and parsley!). In addition to making nutritiously delicious smoothies (think tons of different greens, lemon juice, ginger, turmeric, berries, bananas and chia seeds), a strong blender is an incredibly efficient homemade soup, dressing, sauce (like pesto!), nut butter and nut milk maker. Adding these two devices to your kitchen will bring endless possibilities for fresher and healthier eating!
Imagine knowing (and seeing!) every ingredient that goes in to the fare you will be consuming - such a comforting feeling; and your body will thank you for your due diligence. What are you waiting for? Go turn your kitchen into your sanctuary!
No matter where you decide to travel to, live your best life!
Please make sure you Leave No Trace to respect the wildlife and parks for years to come! Get outside and enjoy camping season! Happy exploring! 🚐
If you have any questions or just want to chat with the experts at Drifter, get in touch with our friendly team today! Contact us HERE!