Wander & Thrive in Van Life - Part 1: Diet and Nutrition
It's that time of year again. We over-indulged. We ate too many Celebrations - we even ate the Bountys. We told ourselves that we "couldn't eat another thing" and yet, an hour later, we ate another thing. Baileys was our morning, noon and night. And our body composition has now reached at least 85% turkey.
As the guilt of our festive feasting settles in, we find ourselves making bold (but sincere) new year's resolutions about eating well, getting fit and participating in the (*gulps*) dreaded Dry January.
We've all been there and we're all in it together now, as we roll into a new year.
But how does this work when you’re living the van life? How do you maintain your health and well-being not just in January but throughout the entire year?
Spoiler alert: It’s not as daunting as it seems! The principles of moving more, eating clean, drinking less alcohol, and managing stress apply just like they do for those living in a traditional home.
The difference for van lifers comes down to technique. The path to achieving these goals needs to adapt to be suitable, relevant, and, most importantly, doable for life on the road. Let’s not set ourselves up to fail, shall we?
So welcome to 'Wander & Thrive' - my four-part series tackling the genuine challenges faced by van lifers and nomads in maintaining a healthy body and mind
I’m here to share my practical, realistic, and achievable tips to help you have a healthy and happy life on the road.
Part 1 in the series is focused on the most important starting point - diet and nutrition.
So Let's Talk Food!
A personal trainer once advised me, "You can’t out-train a bad diet," and this has been etched in my mind ever since. And, as the old adage goes, "you are what you eat". Which is why I'm kicking off this series discussing nutrition. What you fuel your body with directly impacts your energy and well-being.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not perfect when it comes to food. Chocolate and red wine? My weaknesses! So I get how hard it can be. Which I why I’m here to emphasise moderation, not preach perfection.
Why is healthy eating important for nomads and van lifers?
Food is fuel. It’s the backbone of a healthy lifestyle and key to overall well-being. Good nutrition keeps your engine running, energising you for epic hikes, tackling those “fix-it” projects, or simply staying sharp after hours behind the wheel.
Plus, eating well fortifies your immune system, which is crucial when your “home” sometimes doubles as a parking lot with questionable air quality. And let’s be real, nothing ruins a beautiful journey like being hangry in a tiny living space!
What are the unique challenges for van lifers?
In my van, I play a game called 'Fridge Tetris'. After a big grocery run, it’s a puzzle fitting everything in without skipping over that poor avocado buried in the back. Many vans have the same dilemma - limited space for fresh items!
Also, as a van lifer, you'll have one stove and one pan, maybe two if you're posh. Plus, we know how precious resources are, whether it’s solar power or LPG. We simply can’t whip up elaborate meals every time.
And let’s not forget the alluring local cuisines and treats that call out to us after a long day on the road! The temptation is real!
It's a tough life, right?
How to overcome these van life challenges: 9 ways to eat clean and stay nourished on the road
1) Know Your Body
Understanding your body type is essential when meal planning for van life. Ectomorphs, mesomorphs, and endomorphs all have unique metabolic needs.
For me, an endomorph, I aim for a balanced 20-40-40 split of calories among carbs, proteins, and fats. Once you figure this out, you can tailor your grocery list to match your needs.
For more info and tips, check out this resource from Everyday Health for sample meal plans that suit van life!
Jessica Migala
2) Plan Ahead Like a Pro
Van life may be spontaneous, but your meals shouldn’t be a surprise. A little meal planning, taking into consideration the macronutrient splits that work for you, really does go a long way - think one-pot dinners, simple recipes, easy-to-find ingredients, and meals that don’t require a full kitchen brigade to prep.
Always write a grocery list before hitting the shops to stock up on what you need for the week's meals. This keeps you focused and helps avoid those impulse buys.
And on those long travel days, don’t settle for overpriced fast food. Prep easy-to-eat options like salads and overnight oats so you can snack on something nutritious anytime you hit a pit stop.
3) Get Creative with Minimal Equipment
If your fridge is the size of a shoebox, nutritious non-perishable foods are your best ally. Items like canned chickpeas and tuna, dried wholewheat pasta or soba noodles, oats, nut butters, and dried fruit are nutritious, filling, and won't take up valuable space in your fridge. These foods can be used to enhance fresh ingredients and make meals go further.
4) Cook Simple, Tasty Meals
Van cooking doesn’t need to be Michelin-star fancy. Stick to one-pot wonders, stir-fries, stews, and tasty salads. A well-stocked spice rack can turn even the most straightforward meals into a tasty dish.
For a bit of inspiration, check out these one-pot dinner ideas tailored for camping or van life.
Fresh Off The Grid
For vegans, I love these Plant You options - most of them can be cooked on a stove with a single pan.
Remember to customise your meals around your body’s needs, just like I mentioned in point one!
5) Schedule Batch Cooking Days
Batch cooking is your secret weapon for busy days! Whip up a big batch of your favourite meals in advance so you have quick and easy options ready when hunger strikes.
6) Snack Attack
Snacks are a van lifer’s lifeline—just make sure they’re the good kind. Keep a stash of nuts, fruit, hummus, and energy bars on hand for when hunger strikes on the road.
7) Treat Yourself, But Keep It Balanced
No one’s saying you can’t enjoy a takeaway pizza or a feast at that local tapas restaurant, but balance is key. Enjoy those treats occasionally, but keep your regular meals healthy and homemade. This way, those indulgent stops become delightful rewards and not those “what was I thinking?” moments.
As I mentioned, I’ve got a soft spot for red wine and chocolate, but I try to maintain some discipline. I have a little rule: I only sip red wine on Friday and Saturday nights, keeping the rest of my week completely booze-free.
I also try to limit eating out to weekends only, but if I do eat out mid-week I try to keep the meal selection healthy.
8) Create Healthy Routines
It’s all too easy to skip meals or munch mindlessly while you're busy exploring. Establishing a loose eating schedule can save you from those “hangry” moments! Aim for a solid breakfast, a balanced lunch, and a wholesome dinner every day, complemented by healthy snacks in between. A bit of routine can work wonders for both your diet and mood, no matter where the road takes you.
9) Let's not forget about hydration
While we’ve covered a lot about food, let’s not overlook the importance of staying hydrated! Water is essential, and I’m a bit obsessed with making sure I drink enough. I won’t leave the house for more than an hour without a water bottle at my side.
Dehydration can lead to a variety of annoying ailments, from headaches to fatigue. So make it a habit to keep a refillable water bottle close by - it's just as vital as good nutrition on your van life adventures!
The Bottom Line: Healthy Eating Fuels a Happier Van Life
Maintaining a healthy diet on the road isn’t about perfection, denying all treats and boring food - it's about balance, creativity, and a little bit of planning. Van life comes with unique challenges, but with the tips outlined in this article, you can eat well, feel great, and have the energy to truly enjoy your adventures.
Because at the end of the day, van life isn’t just about the places you go - it's about feeling your best while you’re there.
Up Next: Keep Moving, Keep Exploring!
Eating well is just one piece of the puzzle - staying active is the next key to feeling your best on the road.
In Part 2 of my 'Wander & Thrive' series, I'll discuss ways to keep fit while living the van life, no matter where you park. From on-the-go workouts to outdoors-based exercise, you’ll be ready to move, stretch, and thrive on the road. Stay tuned!
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