Real Food on the Road

There are times when rigid food guidelines are nearly impossible to live by, and its okay to give in a little.  Since Dane is far from home in Pennsylvania, I thought I would offer my advice for eating well while traveling:

Do your best to plan ahead.  Find a health food store at your destination.  Most importantly, don't eat at the golden arch's.

Air Travel

I recently traveled on a flight with my almost 2-year-old son.  We had to pass through security at two different major airports and we had a total of four short flights.  We passed through security with snacks and drinks including an unmarked container of yogurt, and a Klean Kanteen filled with raw milk.  TSA's website claims that baby formula and breast milk are allowed in "reasonable" quantities.  Apparently 16 ounces of milk is within reason for "baby" who is really more like a toddler. It is now my philosophy is to try and see what you can get away with, if you are asked to dump the milk, then so be it. 

Here are some other snacks which are great for air travelers of any age:

1.  Beef Jerky -If you are local, check out Dundore and Heister for some amazing jerky. Whole Foods sells Slant Shack jerky which is grass fed, and made with only real ingredients and no-msg.  This is great to gnaw on take-off and landing when the change in air pressure is uncomfortable on your ears. Beef jerky is packed full of nutrients and doesn't take up a ton of space in your bag.  This is a must have for nutrient dense food for on the go.  Please don't fret the expense. One 2-ounce bag can feed three people for about ten dollars, and you are not going to find quality food for that price elsewhere in an airport!
2. Dried Fruits - These Peeled Snacks are great! My traveling companions packed some of these and shared them with us on the way out.  I actually found some being sold on my return flight in the airport.  I will be sure to get some ahead of time on future travels. 
3. Bread and butter - We are pretty particular about the types of bread we eat.  While we are not a completely gluten-free household, we do eat mostly Ezekiel sprouted grain bread or home-made sourdough breads.  Pack some of the home-made variety for lunch on the plane, because most commercial bread products are loaded with sugar, chemicals, and GMO ingredients that are not tolerated well by most people.  Tired, hungry, and in search of a quick bite, pastries and baguettes look appealing, but they will probably have you running for the bathroom, or maybe bloated and blocked up for the remainder of your trip.
4. Other protein - Nuts are convenient and nutritious.  Leftovers are also great.  Cook a steak, or chicken the night before and pack the refrigerated leftovers in an insulated lunch bag.
5. Dark Chocolate - 80% or higher is the best if you can handle the bitterness.  Packing chocolate will help you avoid the sugar or caffeine cravings that are inevitable.  Try Endangered Species  or Equal Exchange brands.  They are our favorites.

On the Road

It is much easier to eat healthy when you are driving because all you need is a sturdy cooler.  Stock it full of prepared foods and the kinds of meals you would cook at home and you will save your stomach, and your wallet some suffering.  If you have a small grill even better, then you can pack a pan and scramble eggs and bacon.  You can pack high quality meats and grill up several meals.  If the grill make sure your cooler is stocked with some or all of the following:

1. Raw Milk - If you drink this at home, then bring some with you.  Your traveling buddies may laugh, but they will be missing out on the good stuff.
2. Kombucha -  This fermented drink contains beneficial bacteria that is good for your gut especially if you are eating food that is different from your normal diet. 
3. Prepared Salads - Egg salad or chicken salad travel well as long as you are able to maintain the temperature of your cooler. Coleslaw is another good option.
4. Pizza - Meatballs - Casseroles - These are all items that I can make from scratch and reheat later.  (Or eat cold if reheating is not an option). 
5. Jerky
6. Bread/Granola
7. Yogurt - While this is fairly easy to purchase while traveling, be wary of the ingredients in any store bought variety.  Yogurt should contain milk, and cultures.  Add your own sweeteners, nuts, ect.

Eating Out

Even if you pack a really outstanding cooler, you will probably be eating out for a few meals when you travel.  I suggest looking for local restaurants that are not chains.  Eat in cities or college towns and use websites like Urban Spoon for find good food in areas where you are traveling.  Read reviews, and eat food on the specials menu.  It will likely contain the freshest and most abundant items on the menu.

When it is not necessary to have a sit-down meal.  Try stopping at a health-food or grocery store for breakfast or lunch.  Purchase some real food items like cheese, yogurt, nuts, berries and vegetables.  Spend a little more than you would normally, and ask grocers where you can find raw and local products.    

Don't Sacrifice and Don't Starve

Don't eat complete crap just because you are on vacation.  Pack some real foods, and look for it while you travel.  But don't be so stringent that you spend your vacation hungry.  Traveling is a great time to experience new foods and new culture.  Find other people who are passionate about what they eat and you are sure to find some good bites. 

Reposted by Caitlin at traditionalfoodsmodernlife.com