When you live in a van, every space counts. There’s no room for excess in the world of VanLife, so even your kitchen needs to double as storage space. This can be a challenge for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet, but fortunately, it’s not impossible. Keeping things fresh and nutritious while also saving on space isn’t as difficult as it sounds. With some planning and clever use of the limited real estate, you too can keep things healthy on the road.
Keep it light and fresh
A good rule of thumb is to only keep foods in your pantry that you’re currently eating. Fresh produce doesn't keep very long compared to dried goods, and items packaged in glass tends to last longer than those in plastic. If you can’t eat something before it goes bad, then it’s probably taking up too much space in your van. If your diet is heavy in canned and dried goods, you’ll also want to make sure you have a reliable source of clean water so you can properly clean and reuse those containers. Having a few simple staples on hand makes it easy to whip up quick, healthy meals and snacks when you’re on the road. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers are great choices that are easy to store and last a long time.
Bring your own snacks
While it might seem counterintuitive to keep your pantry light and fresh if you’re also bringing your own snacks, it is important to have a balance between the two. While you’re travelling, you may be tempted to eat at cafes and fast food restaurant a lot, which can be a challenge for those who are trying to eat healthily. While some restaurants do have healthy options, they’re usually not very vegan or gluten-free friendly. Bringing your own snacks to eat while out and about makes it easy to avoid unhealthy options, especially if you have dietary restrictions. It also saves you money, which is always a plus. Keep a variety of nutritious snacks on hand to avoid getting stuck with nothing but fries at every meal. Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit are great options that can easily be found at any grocery store.
Make use of your space
You may have to get a bit creative, but there are plenty of options for storing healthy foods in your van. If you have a fridge, you’re already ahead of the game. If you don’t, you can still keep a few things cool with a small cooler. You can also use your freezer in a pinch, but remember that frozen foods take a lot longer to thaw than chilled ones. Shelving is another useful tool for keeping your food organized and fresh. You can find inexpensive shelves that fit in the van’s cabinets, or if you have the space, use some wooden shelves. It’s also a good idea to keep your fresh produce in a bag or basket to keep it from getting crushed.
Shop for healthy staples
This is an easy way to keep your pantry stocked. When you see a deal on something you eat regularly, buy a few extra boxes and keep them in the van. You can stock up on a lot of staples at places like Aldi and Lidl, and they’re usually very economical. You can also get creative when it comes to stocking up on healthy foods. Avoid purchasing perishable produce, but you can bring home a lot of healthy items that last a long time, like beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. You can also buy non-perishable foods in bulk, like nuts, dried fruits, and whole-grain crackers. You can store these items for months, as long as you keep them well-sealed and in a cool, dry place.
Plan ahead
This is a no-brainer, but it’s easier said than done when you’re on the road. If you know you’ll be spending a few nights in a row away from home, try to plan out your meals in advance. This makes it easier to avoid eating out and helps you avoid a sugar crash from eating too much junk food when you’re tired and hungry. You will probably have to bring some snacks with you to work if you don’t have easy access to healthy options, but it’s worth it to keep your diet on track. You might find that your workday goes more smoothly when you’re not trying to maintain your blood sugar level with sweet and salty snacks.
Don’t skimp on the protein
This is an important one for vegans and anyone following a high-protein diet, like bodybuilders and athletes. Protein is necessary for healthy muscles and other bodily functions, but it’s also the macronutrient that’s easiest to skimp on when you’re trying to stay healthy while budgeting. While you can get a few grams of protein from beans and grains, you need higher amounts to benefit. Eggs, dairy, and meat are easy to find and cheap, especially if you buy in bulk, but they can be heavy on the wallet. Beans and legumes are cheaper and pack more protein per serving, but they also require a lot of water to cook them properly. You can buy a legume-based protein powder that doesn’t require cooking, but it can be pricey if you’re trying to get a lot of it.
Conclusion
The key to eating healthy in vanlife is to prioritize. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, but don’t worry about getting too much sugar or fat. It’s important to remember that you’re not on vacation anymore, you’re living in a small space with limited supplies, so you have to be careful with your food choices. Eating well doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love; it just means being a bit more thoughtful with the foods you choose.