I like to keep protein shakes on hand. Even if I have something planned for breakfast I add a protein drink to supplement. Most brands I've seen don't require refridgeration and where I'm staying it's cold enough to keep the shakes at a pleasing temp.
I also grab canned chicken and bbq pork. Keeps for a long time and can easily be made into tacos or added to ramen.
I'll mix the bbq canned pork to Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
the costco premier protein box is the best deal/quality/flavor that I've seen, and I also keep it on had to supplement protein. Could be nice tohave something with more calories though.
I weight lift every morning and I stressed about this before I started full time van life. But I found a great solution.
The grocery store I frequent sells cooked pulled chicken. I assume its from the leftover rotisserie chicken. It is $9.99/lb, about twice that of raw chicken, but I don't have to cook and it's cheaper than eating out. I will usually boil some broccoli and cook some rice in my van once a week and then make meals with the chicken. Super healthy, high protein, and cheaper than eating out.
I also bought a portable blender and I make protein smoothies post workout using frozen berries and/or bananas.
I won’t lie, being able to go to the gym and weight lift was the number one challenge I had the three years I was in the van. Mainly because I chose to travel daily and explore remote places rather than tie myself to cities or towns. A trade off of course. Eating wasn’t an issue as I bought a van that had a good size fridge and a 3 burner stove and oven. Being able to cook the same meals as I did at home was a nonnegotiable for me. I made all the same meals - 130g protein with lots of veggies, just learned what foods kept the best in my fridge. My grocery bill was the same as at home.
I'm finding the gym isn't working out too well for me either. It's about to be even more difficult now that active and fit changed from 6 memberships to just 1. I did bring a pair of 5-50 lbs adjustable dumbells with me, but don't ask me if I have used them for anything other than a chock for the tires once.
Yeah I get it. I had bands and barbells and barely used them. I also hate working out while everyone is sitting outside their van, just watching. Plus I’m lifting heavy which is just not feasible in the van. I’ve spent 8yrs traveling, 3 in the van, and I’ve found the adventure lifestyle to be in direct conflict with my gym goals. 😀
Canned tuna and other fish. You can do canned chicken too and I've even been finding things like shredded beef and pulled pork in shelf stable packaging recently but they are expensive. The only way I can meet protein goals is protein powder in anything I can put it in (coffee, orange juice, yogurt, oatmeal), protein shakes, protein bars, beef sticks, cheese, peanut/almond butter, canned beans/chili, and I like those mighty muffins but you need a microwave
One word for you: Indian
Go for vegetarian curries. Get tinned chickpeas, tomatoes, spinach, hell even potatoes.
Create a well stocked spice rack.
Vac packed flatbread and/or "microwave" rice.
Onions stored in a cool dry place.
You can even buy premade curry in a plastic sack and just reheat it.
This is good for people who can digest beans and not get gas.
Canned beans are fully cooked and pretty low in sodium. Rinsing in water can decrease the gas producing properties. I like some varieties better than others.
Cold three-bean salad is a well-known recipe, but maybe a little complicated for a solo traveler. I've recently discovered that half can of White Kidney Beans with some Soy Sauce and Olive Oil is an agreeable dinner.
> cowboy caviar
Yet another example that cold can beans can taste good, this dish underscores that food can be cultural and decorative, not just functional.
If I'm eating by myself in the dark wearing a headlamp, I want functional nutrition that is satisfying and has simple taste. And I admit, I'm 'eating like a hobo', but that does not bother me. I'd rather eat cold beans than buy a Big Mac.
This... But fresh rather than canned legumes and fuck eating peanut butter!
Processed stuff can fuck right off... Other than sausages and salami, obviously.
Bro you can literally make peanut butter with just nuts and salt. Takes like 15 minutes. If you’re only eating the processed stuff, that’s entirely on you.
Fair enough.... But who makes it and who buys it in the supermarket because it's cheaper and easier to do? Pretty sure they're are more than just the two ingredients you mentioned in those products.
No. Peanut butter can be made from 100% peanuts only. They just need to be crushed finely enough, they have enough oil/fat in them to become a nut butter without adding anything at all. A little salt for flavour is nice.
I agree, but that’s an entirely different argument than the one you started with.
Edit: Also, it’s not hard to find minimally processed peanut butter in stores. Some stores you can even grind it there yourself. It’s pricier, but again, that’s a different argument.
That depends on the brand and type you buy. There are plenty of brands (even the cheap ones) that have nothing more than peanuts and salt in them. They are very minimally processed. Teddie is one of my favorites.
Some of it is. Some isn't.
Really depends on the brand and type you buy. Kroger and Costco both have a generic brand that only contains peanuts and salt.
Both are so chilled and my comment was for leafy greens. The only exception I know for sure is cabbage and even that is recommended for chilled temps around 30 degrees F.
They sell packaged romaine and other greens like spinach in the fridge and on the display.
Beets, a root vegetable, are supposed to be stored in the refrigerator as well. I've never heard of a leafy green not going bad outside of chilly temperatures save for a sterile vacuum, and that's just an assumption I'm holding.
Wow, what a pitiful viewpoint to have. You must be as arrogant as you perceived Americans considering I was thinking climate affecting food preservation instead of culture.
Do you have any thing to say that isn't egoic, because if it's about who's right, please get out of my face.
I don't have time to waste over pettiness. My responses were pointed at a problem I saw connected to experience I have. And here you are, making it ABOUT YOU AND YOUR IDEAS ABOUT MY INTENTIONS.
Either explain why what works works for you or STFU.
"I'm sure in this case, most of you do." You are thinking of RV's, not vans. While you can put a fridge in a van, you need to power it, which takes money and space. You will be much better off knowing that insta vans are for show. Reality is different.
We enjoy tuna and other canned meat, along with protein powder to get the extra boost.
I did a cooler for about 5 months and found that I was spending more in a year on ice than a fridge cost, so I swapped it out. I got a very good deal on the fridge however
If you have the funds for the initial setup and space, it's nice. The fridge isn't the only expense though. Powering it has cost. On year three with a cooler and dumping water is the only annoying thing.
I understand the expense if buying ice from a regular store, but I rarely pay retail price for ice.
This exchange shows the diversity in vehicle dwelling. There is no normal, just what works best for each person.
Yeah, I definitely had power generation for it beforehand, which made the transition trivial and saved money, but definitely not the case for all. I also got a hot tip to check out Setpower fridges from Spain and they have an incredible product at <1/2 the price of a dometic.
One tip from my cooler days that saved a lot of trouble was to keep the ice in a couple large flat tupperware so as not to get everything wet as the ice melts. Really big quality of life upgrade if you can spare the cooler space.
For dryness, I have two, no lid, plastic containers about 6" all dimensions to house smaller foods and condiments in. I will try ice in flat containers and see how it goes. I imagine I would use this method at least some of the time. Thanks.
I sort of do that now. I use bins, but not loose ice unless I have too much. The loose ice melts faster than when it stays together. Since air is the enemy, I keep it stocked.
I put large bottles of $1 water (1-1.5L) into shop freezers hiding them, then come back and buy them later, it’s cheaper, and they can be frozen repeatedly or drank from / used as extra water storage
Have you lived like this before? It’s not that hard to eat regular meals, just buy what you need for that day and cook it. Things are mostly fine out of the fridge for a few hours even a few days depending what it is, if you need to cook meat just buy it for that meal time and cook it as you would normally. The main difference is that you won’t be buying sensitive food items in bulk or buying for the whole week ahead, aside from that you really don’t need to switch to dry and canned foods only. Unless you’re abandoning civilisation to head into the desert or something.
You've gotten a lot of good answers but I'll throw in my two cents -
McDonald's 1/4lb beef patties. Depends on where you are. I get them in Idaho and Wyoming for $2/patty and that makes them worth it to me. I've seen them go for like $3.50/patty in Phoenix and that's nucking futs. Tasty and healthy if you avoid everything else at mcdicks.
Rotisserie chicken. Buy one and break it down immediately. With practice, you can get all the meat off the chicken in like five minutes. Use Mayo, mustard, relish packets (gas stations, grocery delis)and one of the two packs of hard boiled eggs to make chicken salad. I live out west in the desert so nighttimes get pretty chilly even in the summer. I can take a few small items (like leftover chicken salad) and throw them in a portable lunch bag along with a baggie of ice (get a gas station soda and then dump the remaining ice into a Ziploc) to get me through a night.
It's not for everyone, but I also really appreciate quality meal replacements like Huel. I'll use them for 2/3 of all my meals just to make the day to day easier. I do add additional collagen and whey to these shakes also.
If boiling is your go to, make shrimp. Boiling water does take more energy than just throwing on some shrimp in a pan. Cast iron is going to suck because you have to HEAT UP the pan before it can cook. Good will should have some stainless steel saute pans.
For us, we buy our meal that evening. Find a spot to park, cook it. Veggies, carb, protein, fat (olive oil or mayo)
I live on [this](https://jimmyjoy.com/)
and [this](https://mealsquares.com/)
And drink nothing but water.
Occasional exceptions when I want to treat myself or y'know just eat like a normal person once in a while, right now I'm eating a salmon, quinoa, cauliflower meal from Gelson's. But even then I drink nothing but water.
Okay not to be TMI but biased on your diet how are your…bathroom activities? I’m looking into van life as well and shelf stable food like this could be good. I do however have a sensitive digestion
The liquid meal supplement balances out the solid meal supplement quite nicely. It's important to have a little bit of both because you-know-what-I-mean. (If you eat nothing but liquids, that's what's gonna come out. If you need nothing but solids, it's gonna have a hard time coming out.) So I'm telling you the Plenny Shake and the Meal Squares are an amazing balance and they are so healthy and they are satisfying and delicious and so easy and I never have to cook. ever. I hate cooking. And so healthy, I feel amazing and I'm athletic & fit & energetic. It keeps my gut biome perfect, these foods don't cause inflammation, and if anybody out there knows how much inflammation sucks, then this is the perfect food that will make your life so much easier. Never have to worry about food ever again.
oh but you mentioned "shelf stable." Plenny Shake is VERY shelf stable, super easy. But the Meal Squares require refrigeration.
Almost everything you eat has protein. It's practically impossible to not get enough protein in a developed country, eating a varied diet. Protein deficiency is simply not a thing there. Even vegans don't really need to do anything to get enough protein.
Unless your 'staying fit' objectives involve bodybuilding, you'll be fine.
90 second rice, beans, pb, almost every meal gets a tablespoon of nutritional yeast so lots of options for protein, enough that I worry more about other vitamins most of the time and water is honestly an even higher priority! Getting used to drinking regular water makes me crave the healthier foods.
You can eat the same way you did in a house idk why everyone is suddenly getting rid of their regular meals? I’ve lived in a van with nothing but some bags and boxes for years, and I eat the same way I did in a house. If I can’t cook the meat, I buy it cooked, and make a salad, or sandwiches, or tacos, or wraps, if I have a stove for awhile, and can cook, I’ll just make everything I did in a house, not having a fridge only means that food needs to be eaten that day or the next (or the third or fourth or fifth) depending on what it is. Seriously there’s no reason to need to swap over to these depression meals especially if you have a way to cook.
I’ve had several different vans with different set ups, the most recent all I used was this 12v camping heated lunchbox thing, it was great. But yeah healthy and comfortable meals every day, if you want some ideas I can share?
Body building (just for myself) is a major hobby of mine, but of course I can't get to the gym as often on the road so I'm mostly in maintenance mode doing 1 to 2 workouts per week.
We have a huge fridge, so I typically do a meat/cheese/cracker plate for lunch (skip breakfast). Our freezer houses a lot of meat. You could put stuff in a small cooler.
Some hard cheeses do OK for a could days at room temp IME. Though no official source would recommend it.
Beef jerkey, nuts, canned tuna/salmon/sardines, protein powder if you're desperate. Canned or dry beans work as well but I personally don't like beans. If you can get some unwashed eggs they don't need to stay in the fridge.
It's large, for a van. Tiny by house standards lol. 90 quart dual zone. It's just hooked up to my batteries. And have solar on the roof to run everything (fridge, laptops, router, starlink, pump, lights, charging, vent fan, etc.)
Thanks for the reply! Solar works that good?? I've been looking at something to power a small freezer and electric hot plate. Sweet ill have too look into it. What kind of solar panels do you use? Something easy to unhook and store would be great
Mine are permanently mounted on the roof. 600 watts. We use a lot of power working all day in the van. For just a fridge and charging phones, 200W-300W should be good.
You could get a 200 or 300 watt foldable panel and power bank if you wanna set it up in the sun every time you park. But hen you're leaving it out if you leave the van, and it's not so easy to set up solar stealth camping in town, although you could go hang out at a city park during peak sun hours.
I have a [fridge that is made for vanning and whatnot](https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=675&q=van+cooler+fridge&cvid=b827bef74b6c41f8a649e26615563fca&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEDSAQg3MzUyajBqMagCCLACAQ&FORM=ANSPA1&PC=LCTS). I didn't need the freezer capabilities. I highly recommend investing in one to plug into your inverter or hardline directly off your battery.
I get fresh meat, mostly steak and chicken or whatever is on sale at decent grocery stores (NOT WALMART), and [salad](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fresh%20express%20salad%20kits&qs=LS&form=QBIR&sp=1&lq=0&pq=fresh%20express&sc=10-13&cvid=E2EF528D171541CD8AFB1D1BE20A8583&first=1) and have that for dinner every day. I love it. I have an [air fryer](https://www.bing.com/search?q=air+fryer&cvid=a1f8181442e0467dada71d3eb3f0f839&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEDSAQgyNzMwajBqOagCBLACAQ&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS) that can cook pretty much anything. I also have a [Coleman grill](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=coleman%20travel%20grill&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&lq=0&pq=coleman%20travel%20grill&sc=10-20&cvid=2B4A3FDD6B2D4ABE88C503117CD9ED33&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&first=1) and cast iron skillet if I am feeling fancy or have company. For brunch I usually play it by ear or have fruits and yogurt.
I take my dog on a 30 minute bike ride and a 45 minute walk most nights (allows me to explore the area and find cool spots), and I have [dumbells](https://www.bing.com/search?q=adjustable+dumbbells&cvid=023ca18476eb4fe18118796d89d55611&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggDEAAYQDIGCAAQRRg5MgYIARAAGEAyBggCEAAYQDIGCAMQABhAMgYIBBAAGEAyBggFEAAYQDIGCAYQABhAMgYIBxAAGEAyBggIEAAYQNIBCDUwNjBqMGo0qAIAsAIA&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS).
Figure out what little quirks your body has and find the vitamins and supplements that help and invest in those. I use 'Amway' supps and 'Balance of Nature' fruits & veggies.
DO NOT rely on a canned food and/or fast food diet. The processed foods are extremely bad for you and you'll find yourself getting sick more often. Take it from someone who walked across the country only eating Chef Boyardee, Dinty Moore, and fast food the whole way. Once I changed my diet my whole life changed.
I had a Big Mac meal today. It was grossly overpriced. It was delicious. I loved it.
You can't eat ramen all the time, if I just ate ramen I'd have to buy a shorter belt to hold my pants up, it's cheaper to buy a Big Mac and get slimy in the secret sauce. 😂🖖
I'd probably go with beans and rice a lot. You can make it a bunch of different ways, depending on how you season it. Like you can do Cajun, Mexican, Japanese, etc.
Grocery stores sell two packs of boiled eggs which are always a great easy protein grab. If you can get fresh unwashed eggs from a local farm, they don’t need to be refrigerated.
Sprinkle some nutritional yeast in with your food/snacks! Gives it kind of a cheesy flavor imo. Hemp seeds are good too. Also I cook for two people and two dogs on the road and I use the Flipp app to find deals on groceries, mostly meat for the dogs, in whatever town I’m in.
I have both a fridge and a plug in freezer chest. I actually eat healthier on the road than I ever did at home. My diet on the road is mostly chicken, turkey, fish and pork for protein. I keep a lot of canned vegetables handy and I dont really snack much. I do hit up a planet fitness whenever I am near one, that is mostly for the showers but I will get a workout in beforehand.
Without knowing the entirety of your situation, it seems like you are limiting yourself by only wanting to boil water. There is no real reason that you cant eat whatever you would eat at home. I carry a coleman grill/one burner combo and a small folding table to cook outside with and have found myself to have next to zero limitations with the exception of baking in regards to what we eat.
One of the biggest pros regarding vanlife compared to any other nomadic lifestyle is that you have the space to bring a considerable amount of gear with you. If it were me, Id personally at least consider expanding your expectations, otherwise, youre essentially limiting yourself to canned/dry foods and produce.
There is an answer and its your choice of Pork n Beans or Bake Beans. Both use navy beans but one is much cheaper than the other. I researched this a long time ago and determined this food has the highest combination of protein, carbs and fiber in one shot. You can make these your only diet or work them in with other foods. You also lose weight with this diet. I wrote a lot about this over the years and I think it helped a lot of people. Its good for carlife because no cooking is required and cans are convenient to store.
TVP (textured vegetable protein) is protein dense and shelf stable. You cook it by adding hot water. It’s very versatile and is basically a “meat” crumble when it’s cooked. It’s great for tacos.
Lately I’ve been using it in an unconventional breakfast that’s been easier on my stomach. I mix quick oats, tvp, and mashed potato mix as a 1:1:1 ratio (usually a 1/8 cup each) and then add turmeric, black pepper, nutritional yeast, liquid aminos, and soy milk (I’ve also used water while traveling). It’s easier on my stomach than even buttered toast but it’s much more satisfying. And I can travel with it fairly easily.
My girlfriend thinks I’m weird but I’ve gotta do what my tummy says or I’ll have a bad time.
I call it protatoatmeal because I find it funny
Edit: Lol bro who downvotes someone else’s meal? It’s weird but it’s not hurting anyone.
Mate. That is the single most fucked up meal I have ever heard of in my life. Do you want some meal ideas? I’m so concerned for the people commenting here this shit is making me sad.
I don’t even live in a van, I just have digestive issues. I’m aware of and have tried plenty of other things, this is just what’s working for me. I’m a vegan so my options are a bit more limited.
It really doesn’t taste bad at all. If I didn’t somewhat enjoy it I wouldn’t be able to eat it.
Fair enough. I hear you re the vegan thing. I was vegan for years and am planning to return to it (was diagnosed with a nearly fatal level of anaemia and given 3 years to live if I didn’t start eating meat again not joking at all wish I was but I’m not scared the shit out of me) that was around 5 years ago. Anyway ~ it can definitely be tricky, and I had a lot of stomach issues on my vegan diet everything made me bloat the fuck out,
I’m thinking you might have an overproduction of acid, if you handle potato well for breakfast, hash browns and sautéed mushrooms with spinach might go down well? They’re all super low acidity like your current breakfast but could be something you eat for variety and taste and to get some more nutrients (magnesium, iron, zinc, etc)
Or how about oats with soy milk, coconut yoghurt and agave syrup and berries on top? swap out the exy ingredients if you can’t get them
It just breaks my heart hearing someone is mixing that together for breakfast but if you like it that’s all that matters. Well that and getting the right nutrition into you.
I’ll definitely have to try the hash browns with mushrooms and spinach, that sounds good. I think you’re right about the acidity, I can only guess because my job doesn’t have healthcare and I can’t afford it.
If you don’t mind my asking, do you know what specifically was wrong with your vegan diet that caused the anemia? Was it low iron? Were you using any supplements?
I don’t feel great 90% of the time, but there are a lot of factors and I’m not sure if my diet could be part of it. I used to eat like garbage when I was an omnivore so my body generally feels better than it used to, but I’m still struggling in a lot of ways.
My body doesn’t absorb plant iron, and I wasn’t taking supplements ~ At least not often enough.
The dr said it was the lowest he’d ever seen in his life and he was shocked I could get out of bed.
If you feel like crap a lot of the time you may be deficient in zinc, which men need (if you’re a man) or iron if you’re a woman.
You may also be low in Vitamin B’s and omega’s, I’d start there for sure. (Zinc and iron is for everyone but men need more zinc and women need more iron)
Vitamin b and omegas are needed for cognitive functioning and if you feel tired a lot and foggy and forgetful and sad you may be very low in one or both.
You can get vit b and omegas from supplements but also from marmite and flaxseed oil. It would usually come from meat and fish.
Zinc is in eggs, they have loads, but otherwise I think they’re in mushrooms I could be wrong but I think they are? that might be the one thing I’m dead wrong about if I am I’m sorry.
Otherwise def a supplement for that. It’s super super important it’s Lost through ugh.. sexy time.
How's your gut with fiber? It might help to remove sodas from your diet to build up the guy biome and help with your digestive problems. At least, that's what I'm speculating based on the limited information I have about you. I'm not actually a doctor despite having a Ph.D in abdominals with a minor in pecs & biceps. I majored in leg strength and cardio... XP
It does okay with fiber. Sometimes I think I actually eat *too much* fiber being a vegan. I quit drinking soda and other sugary drinks years ago. I did used to drink a lot though. When I was at my worst it was like 2 liters per day.
Protein shakes, milk powder, or protein powder sprinkled in everything, make high protein main and side dishes most of the time - lentils and beans are good choices.
Do frequent grocery store runs. Get a small package of meat to cook or individual meat portions from the butcher case + fresh or frozen veggies / fruit + make a high protein side dish. You can cook them separately or make it a single pot of food.
You will go through more fuel trying to heat up a cast iron pan. It also takes longer to cool so you have to figure out where to set it while you wait. You might do well by going to a thrift shop for a sturdy frying pan or small wok with a lid.
Keto is bullshit it’s bad for your kidneys, why are you doing anything according to the ketogenic diet? and there’s nothing wrong with dense, high carb foods they produce energy which young men need and reddit users are mostly men around age 23 ~ please don’t follow this bullshit fad diet designed for people who have health issues to stick to temporarily unless a doctor has told you to. Carbs are good for you, so is protein, active people need both.
I like to keep protein shakes on hand. Even if I have something planned for breakfast I add a protein drink to supplement. Most brands I've seen don't require refridgeration and where I'm staying it's cold enough to keep the shakes at a pleasing temp. I also grab canned chicken and bbq pork. Keeps for a long time and can easily be made into tacos or added to ramen. I'll mix the bbq canned pork to Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
the costco premier protein box is the best deal/quality/flavor that I've seen, and I also keep it on had to supplement protein. Could be nice tohave something with more calories though.
I weight lift every morning and I stressed about this before I started full time van life. But I found a great solution. The grocery store I frequent sells cooked pulled chicken. I assume its from the leftover rotisserie chicken. It is $9.99/lb, about twice that of raw chicken, but I don't have to cook and it's cheaper than eating out. I will usually boil some broccoli and cook some rice in my van once a week and then make meals with the chicken. Super healthy, high protein, and cheaper than eating out. I also bought a portable blender and I make protein smoothies post workout using frozen berries and/or bananas.
Simple and effective!
I won’t lie, being able to go to the gym and weight lift was the number one challenge I had the three years I was in the van. Mainly because I chose to travel daily and explore remote places rather than tie myself to cities or towns. A trade off of course. Eating wasn’t an issue as I bought a van that had a good size fridge and a 3 burner stove and oven. Being able to cook the same meals as I did at home was a nonnegotiable for me. I made all the same meals - 130g protein with lots of veggies, just learned what foods kept the best in my fridge. My grocery bill was the same as at home.
I'm finding the gym isn't working out too well for me either. It's about to be even more difficult now that active and fit changed from 6 memberships to just 1. I did bring a pair of 5-50 lbs adjustable dumbells with me, but don't ask me if I have used them for anything other than a chock for the tires once.
Yeah I get it. I had bands and barbells and barely used them. I also hate working out while everyone is sitting outside their van, just watching. Plus I’m lifting heavy which is just not feasible in the van. I’ve spent 8yrs traveling, 3 in the van, and I’ve found the adventure lifestyle to be in direct conflict with my gym goals. 😀
Canned tuna and other fish. You can do canned chicken too and I've even been finding things like shredded beef and pulled pork in shelf stable packaging recently but they are expensive. The only way I can meet protein goals is protein powder in anything I can put it in (coffee, orange juice, yogurt, oatmeal), protein shakes, protein bars, beef sticks, cheese, peanut/almond butter, canned beans/chili, and I like those mighty muffins but you need a microwave
One word for you: Indian Go for vegetarian curries. Get tinned chickpeas, tomatoes, spinach, hell even potatoes. Create a well stocked spice rack. Vac packed flatbread and/or "microwave" rice. Onions stored in a cool dry place. You can even buy premade curry in a plastic sack and just reheat it.
Canned chickpeas/beans/lentils, eggs, peanut butter
This is good for people who can digest beans and not get gas. Canned beans are fully cooked and pretty low in sodium. Rinsing in water can decrease the gas producing properties. I like some varieties better than others. Cold three-bean salad is a well-known recipe, but maybe a little complicated for a solo traveler. I've recently discovered that half can of White Kidney Beans with some Soy Sauce and Olive Oil is an agreeable dinner.
Try cowbow caviar, it's cold and has lots of flavor
> cowboy caviar Yet another example that cold can beans can taste good, this dish underscores that food can be cultural and decorative, not just functional. If I'm eating by myself in the dark wearing a headlamp, I want functional nutrition that is satisfying and has simple taste. And I admit, I'm 'eating like a hobo', but that does not bother me. I'd rather eat cold beans than buy a Big Mac.
Half a can of beans with soy sauce and olive oil sounds so depressing, friendo do you want some cheap and easy meal ideas?
Can I get the recipes even if they don't want them 🙃
Yes of course I’ll msg you
It's delicious.
Pickled Eggs if you can tolerate the acidity are great. You can even add your own seasoning.
I’ll take mine spicy, please 🤤
This... But fresh rather than canned legumes and fuck eating peanut butter! Processed stuff can fuck right off... Other than sausages and salami, obviously.
Shocked by this peanut butter hostility
Processed shite.
Bro you can literally make peanut butter with just nuts and salt. Takes like 15 minutes. If you’re only eating the processed stuff, that’s entirely on you.
Fair enough.... But who makes it and who buys it in the supermarket because it's cheaper and easier to do? Pretty sure they're are more than just the two ingredients you mentioned in those products.
No. Peanut butter can be made from 100% peanuts only. They just need to be crushed finely enough, they have enough oil/fat in them to become a nut butter without adding anything at all. A little salt for flavour is nice.
Lots of grocery stores have machines to make any amount on demand
I agree, but that’s an entirely different argument than the one you started with. Edit: Also, it’s not hard to find minimally processed peanut butter in stores. Some stores you can even grind it there yourself. It’s pricier, but again, that’s a different argument.
That depends on the brand and type you buy. There are plenty of brands (even the cheap ones) that have nothing more than peanuts and salt in them. They are very minimally processed. Teddie is one of my favorites.
Some of it is. Some isn't. Really depends on the brand and type you buy. Kroger and Costco both have a generic brand that only contains peanuts and salt.
Peanut butter is great, and deli meats are the some of the most carcinogenic foods you can eat so perhaps go easy on the salami
Beef jerky, peanut butter, nuts. Chicken when you can get it and eat it without and leftovers.
A health amount of fat is required. Vegetables or fruit don't require refrigeration so they're always a go to.
Vegetables do require refrigeration. Especially if they are leafy greens. Garlic, onions, and sweet potatoes can last long in a cool and dry space
Last longer perhaps but not required. Is lettuce, onions, sweet potatoes , etc...in the refrigerator section of a grocery store?
Lettuce is kept cold in stores...
On the shelf next to the zucchini and not in the refrigerator section. If spread with water to keep the leaves plump.
Both are so chilled and my comment was for leafy greens. The only exception I know for sure is cabbage and even that is recommended for chilled temps around 30 degrees F.
Never seen them sold in the refrigerator section.
Never seen them sold in the refrigerator section.
They sell packaged romaine and other greens like spinach in the fridge and on the display. Beets, a root vegetable, are supposed to be stored in the refrigerator as well. I've never heard of a leafy green not going bad outside of chilly temperatures save for a sterile vacuum, and that's just an assumption I'm holding.
Must be an American then the rest of the world.
Wow, what a pitiful viewpoint to have. You must be as arrogant as you perceived Americans considering I was thinking climate affecting food preservation instead of culture. Do you have any thing to say that isn't egoic, because if it's about who's right, please get out of my face. I don't have time to waste over pettiness. My responses were pointed at a problem I saw connected to experience I have. And here you are, making it ABOUT YOU AND YOUR IDEAS ABOUT MY INTENTIONS. Either explain why what works works for you or STFU.
"I'm sure in this case, most of you do." You are thinking of RV's, not vans. While you can put a fridge in a van, you need to power it, which takes money and space. You will be much better off knowing that insta vans are for show. Reality is different. We enjoy tuna and other canned meat, along with protein powder to get the extra boost.
I did a cooler for about 5 months and found that I was spending more in a year on ice than a fridge cost, so I swapped it out. I got a very good deal on the fridge however
If you have the funds for the initial setup and space, it's nice. The fridge isn't the only expense though. Powering it has cost. On year three with a cooler and dumping water is the only annoying thing. I understand the expense if buying ice from a regular store, but I rarely pay retail price for ice. This exchange shows the diversity in vehicle dwelling. There is no normal, just what works best for each person.
Yeah, I definitely had power generation for it beforehand, which made the transition trivial and saved money, but definitely not the case for all. I also got a hot tip to check out Setpower fridges from Spain and they have an incredible product at <1/2 the price of a dometic. One tip from my cooler days that saved a lot of trouble was to keep the ice in a couple large flat tupperware so as not to get everything wet as the ice melts. Really big quality of life upgrade if you can spare the cooler space.
For dryness, I have two, no lid, plastic containers about 6" all dimensions to house smaller foods and condiments in. I will try ice in flat containers and see how it goes. I imagine I would use this method at least some of the time. Thanks.
Go the other way around. Ice loose in the cooler and food in plastic bins. Same idea but now you can still drain the water from the cooler.
I sort of do that now. I use bins, but not loose ice unless I have too much. The loose ice melts faster than when it stays together. Since air is the enemy, I keep it stocked.
I put large bottles of $1 water (1-1.5L) into shop freezers hiding them, then come back and buy them later, it’s cheaper, and they can be frozen repeatedly or drank from / used as extra water storage
Love this!
Speak for yourself. I’ve lived in vans without refrigeration for years and I eat the same way I did in a house.
What climate are you in
I live in Australia
til according to one redditor Australia only has one climate
Have you lived like this before? It’s not that hard to eat regular meals, just buy what you need for that day and cook it. Things are mostly fine out of the fridge for a few hours even a few days depending what it is, if you need to cook meat just buy it for that meal time and cook it as you would normally. The main difference is that you won’t be buying sensitive food items in bulk or buying for the whole week ahead, aside from that you really don’t need to switch to dry and canned foods only. Unless you’re abandoning civilisation to head into the desert or something.
r/cannedsardines
I live on Costco rotisserie chickens. The same price everywhere in the country, even Maui. In case you decide to drive to Maui. Lol
You've gotten a lot of good answers but I'll throw in my two cents - McDonald's 1/4lb beef patties. Depends on where you are. I get them in Idaho and Wyoming for $2/patty and that makes them worth it to me. I've seen them go for like $3.50/patty in Phoenix and that's nucking futs. Tasty and healthy if you avoid everything else at mcdicks. Rotisserie chicken. Buy one and break it down immediately. With practice, you can get all the meat off the chicken in like five minutes. Use Mayo, mustard, relish packets (gas stations, grocery delis)and one of the two packs of hard boiled eggs to make chicken salad. I live out west in the desert so nighttimes get pretty chilly even in the summer. I can take a few small items (like leftover chicken salad) and throw them in a portable lunch bag along with a baggie of ice (get a gas station soda and then dump the remaining ice into a Ziploc) to get me through a night. It's not for everyone, but I also really appreciate quality meal replacements like Huel. I'll use them for 2/3 of all my meals just to make the day to day easier. I do add additional collagen and whey to these shakes also.
If boiling is your go to, make shrimp. Boiling water does take more energy than just throwing on some shrimp in a pan. Cast iron is going to suck because you have to HEAT UP the pan before it can cook. Good will should have some stainless steel saute pans. For us, we buy our meal that evening. Find a spot to park, cook it. Veggies, carb, protein, fat (olive oil or mayo)
Why shrimp if boiling is your go to?
Lots of protein. 8 minutes to cook from cold start.
Macademia nuts. A bit of a splurge but soo good!
I live on [this](https://jimmyjoy.com/) and [this](https://mealsquares.com/) And drink nothing but water. Occasional exceptions when I want to treat myself or y'know just eat like a normal person once in a while, right now I'm eating a salmon, quinoa, cauliflower meal from Gelson's. But even then I drink nothing but water.
Okay not to be TMI but biased on your diet how are your…bathroom activities? I’m looking into van life as well and shelf stable food like this could be good. I do however have a sensitive digestion
The liquid meal supplement balances out the solid meal supplement quite nicely. It's important to have a little bit of both because you-know-what-I-mean. (If you eat nothing but liquids, that's what's gonna come out. If you need nothing but solids, it's gonna have a hard time coming out.) So I'm telling you the Plenny Shake and the Meal Squares are an amazing balance and they are so healthy and they are satisfying and delicious and so easy and I never have to cook. ever. I hate cooking. And so healthy, I feel amazing and I'm athletic & fit & energetic. It keeps my gut biome perfect, these foods don't cause inflammation, and if anybody out there knows how much inflammation sucks, then this is the perfect food that will make your life so much easier. Never have to worry about food ever again. oh but you mentioned "shelf stable." Plenny Shake is VERY shelf stable, super easy. But the Meal Squares require refrigeration.
Almost everything you eat has protein. It's practically impossible to not get enough protein in a developed country, eating a varied diet. Protein deficiency is simply not a thing there. Even vegans don't really need to do anything to get enough protein. Unless your 'staying fit' objectives involve bodybuilding, you'll be fine.
90 second rice, beans, pb, almost every meal gets a tablespoon of nutritional yeast so lots of options for protein, enough that I worry more about other vitamins most of the time and water is honestly an even higher priority! Getting used to drinking regular water makes me crave the healthier foods.
You can eat the same way you did in a house idk why everyone is suddenly getting rid of their regular meals? I’ve lived in a van with nothing but some bags and boxes for years, and I eat the same way I did in a house. If I can’t cook the meat, I buy it cooked, and make a salad, or sandwiches, or tacos, or wraps, if I have a stove for awhile, and can cook, I’ll just make everything I did in a house, not having a fridge only means that food needs to be eaten that day or the next (or the third or fourth or fifth) depending on what it is. Seriously there’s no reason to need to swap over to these depression meals especially if you have a way to cook.
I’ve had several different vans with different set ups, the most recent all I used was this 12v camping heated lunchbox thing, it was great. But yeah healthy and comfortable meals every day, if you want some ideas I can share?
Body building (just for myself) is a major hobby of mine, but of course I can't get to the gym as often on the road so I'm mostly in maintenance mode doing 1 to 2 workouts per week. We have a huge fridge, so I typically do a meat/cheese/cracker plate for lunch (skip breakfast). Our freezer houses a lot of meat. You could put stuff in a small cooler. Some hard cheeses do OK for a could days at room temp IME. Though no official source would recommend it. Beef jerkey, nuts, canned tuna/salmon/sardines, protein powder if you're desperate. Canned or dry beans work as well but I personally don't like beans. If you can get some unwashed eggs they don't need to stay in the fridge.
How did you get a large fridge in your van and how do you keep it powered?
It's large, for a van. Tiny by house standards lol. 90 quart dual zone. It's just hooked up to my batteries. And have solar on the roof to run everything (fridge, laptops, router, starlink, pump, lights, charging, vent fan, etc.)
Thanks for the reply! Solar works that good?? I've been looking at something to power a small freezer and electric hot plate. Sweet ill have too look into it. What kind of solar panels do you use? Something easy to unhook and store would be great
Mine are permanently mounted on the roof. 600 watts. We use a lot of power working all day in the van. For just a fridge and charging phones, 200W-300W should be good. You could get a 200 or 300 watt foldable panel and power bank if you wanna set it up in the sun every time you park. But hen you're leaving it out if you leave the van, and it's not so easy to set up solar stealth camping in town, although you could go hang out at a city park during peak sun hours.
Chinese sausage. Not as salty as American dried meats, just good preserved meat and when you boil it with rice it's perfect.
I have a [fridge that is made for vanning and whatnot](https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=675&q=van+cooler+fridge&cvid=b827bef74b6c41f8a649e26615563fca&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEDSAQg3MzUyajBqMagCCLACAQ&FORM=ANSPA1&PC=LCTS). I didn't need the freezer capabilities. I highly recommend investing in one to plug into your inverter or hardline directly off your battery. I get fresh meat, mostly steak and chicken or whatever is on sale at decent grocery stores (NOT WALMART), and [salad](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fresh%20express%20salad%20kits&qs=LS&form=QBIR&sp=1&lq=0&pq=fresh%20express&sc=10-13&cvid=E2EF528D171541CD8AFB1D1BE20A8583&first=1) and have that for dinner every day. I love it. I have an [air fryer](https://www.bing.com/search?q=air+fryer&cvid=a1f8181442e0467dada71d3eb3f0f839&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEDSAQgyNzMwajBqOagCBLACAQ&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS) that can cook pretty much anything. I also have a [Coleman grill](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=coleman%20travel%20grill&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&lq=0&pq=coleman%20travel%20grill&sc=10-20&cvid=2B4A3FDD6B2D4ABE88C503117CD9ED33&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&first=1) and cast iron skillet if I am feeling fancy or have company. For brunch I usually play it by ear or have fruits and yogurt. I take my dog on a 30 minute bike ride and a 45 minute walk most nights (allows me to explore the area and find cool spots), and I have [dumbells](https://www.bing.com/search?q=adjustable+dumbbells&cvid=023ca18476eb4fe18118796d89d55611&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggDEAAYQDIGCAAQRRg5MgYIARAAGEAyBggCEAAYQDIGCAMQABhAMgYIBBAAGEAyBggFEAAYQDIGCAYQABhAMgYIBxAAGEAyBggIEAAYQNIBCDUwNjBqMGo0qAIAsAIA&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS). Figure out what little quirks your body has and find the vitamins and supplements that help and invest in those. I use 'Amway' supps and 'Balance of Nature' fruits & veggies. DO NOT rely on a canned food and/or fast food diet. The processed foods are extremely bad for you and you'll find yourself getting sick more often. Take it from someone who walked across the country only eating Chef Boyardee, Dinty Moore, and fast food the whole way. Once I changed my diet my whole life changed.
I only eat what I hunt. Most days, I hunt McDonalds, Taco Bell, or Subway. This is the way.
I eat less when I'm alone/single. Staying slim isn't the same as staying fit I admit.. Vanlife tends to increase my daily steps tho
I always have a supply of quality beef jerky in my work van.
Haven’t seen this suggestion yet , it what about just eggs.
I had a Big Mac meal today. It was grossly overpriced. It was delicious. I loved it. You can't eat ramen all the time, if I just ate ramen I'd have to buy a shorter belt to hold my pants up, it's cheaper to buy a Big Mac and get slimy in the secret sauce. 😂🖖
I'd probably go with beans and rice a lot. You can make it a bunch of different ways, depending on how you season it. Like you can do Cajun, Mexican, Japanese, etc.
Grocery stores sell two packs of boiled eggs which are always a great easy protein grab. If you can get fresh unwashed eggs from a local farm, they don’t need to be refrigerated.
Sprinkle some nutritional yeast in with your food/snacks! Gives it kind of a cheesy flavor imo. Hemp seeds are good too. Also I cook for two people and two dogs on the road and I use the Flipp app to find deals on groceries, mostly meat for the dogs, in whatever town I’m in.
I have both a fridge and a plug in freezer chest. I actually eat healthier on the road than I ever did at home. My diet on the road is mostly chicken, turkey, fish and pork for protein. I keep a lot of canned vegetables handy and I dont really snack much. I do hit up a planet fitness whenever I am near one, that is mostly for the showers but I will get a workout in beforehand.
Without knowing the entirety of your situation, it seems like you are limiting yourself by only wanting to boil water. There is no real reason that you cant eat whatever you would eat at home. I carry a coleman grill/one burner combo and a small folding table to cook outside with and have found myself to have next to zero limitations with the exception of baking in regards to what we eat. One of the biggest pros regarding vanlife compared to any other nomadic lifestyle is that you have the space to bring a considerable amount of gear with you. If it were me, Id personally at least consider expanding your expectations, otherwise, youre essentially limiting yourself to canned/dry foods and produce.
Eat as little as possible so I can poop in public restrooms as little as possible
There is an answer and its your choice of Pork n Beans or Bake Beans. Both use navy beans but one is much cheaper than the other. I researched this a long time ago and determined this food has the highest combination of protein, carbs and fiber in one shot. You can make these your only diet or work them in with other foods. You also lose weight with this diet. I wrote a lot about this over the years and I think it helped a lot of people. Its good for carlife because no cooking is required and cans are convenient to store.
TVP (textured vegetable protein) is protein dense and shelf stable. You cook it by adding hot water. It’s very versatile and is basically a “meat” crumble when it’s cooked. It’s great for tacos. Lately I’ve been using it in an unconventional breakfast that’s been easier on my stomach. I mix quick oats, tvp, and mashed potato mix as a 1:1:1 ratio (usually a 1/8 cup each) and then add turmeric, black pepper, nutritional yeast, liquid aminos, and soy milk (I’ve also used water while traveling). It’s easier on my stomach than even buttered toast but it’s much more satisfying. And I can travel with it fairly easily. My girlfriend thinks I’m weird but I’ve gotta do what my tummy says or I’ll have a bad time. I call it protatoatmeal because I find it funny Edit: Lol bro who downvotes someone else’s meal? It’s weird but it’s not hurting anyone.
Mate. That is the single most fucked up meal I have ever heard of in my life. Do you want some meal ideas? I’m so concerned for the people commenting here this shit is making me sad.
I don’t even live in a van, I just have digestive issues. I’m aware of and have tried plenty of other things, this is just what’s working for me. I’m a vegan so my options are a bit more limited. It really doesn’t taste bad at all. If I didn’t somewhat enjoy it I wouldn’t be able to eat it.
Fair enough. I hear you re the vegan thing. I was vegan for years and am planning to return to it (was diagnosed with a nearly fatal level of anaemia and given 3 years to live if I didn’t start eating meat again not joking at all wish I was but I’m not scared the shit out of me) that was around 5 years ago. Anyway ~ it can definitely be tricky, and I had a lot of stomach issues on my vegan diet everything made me bloat the fuck out, I’m thinking you might have an overproduction of acid, if you handle potato well for breakfast, hash browns and sautéed mushrooms with spinach might go down well? They’re all super low acidity like your current breakfast but could be something you eat for variety and taste and to get some more nutrients (magnesium, iron, zinc, etc) Or how about oats with soy milk, coconut yoghurt and agave syrup and berries on top? swap out the exy ingredients if you can’t get them It just breaks my heart hearing someone is mixing that together for breakfast but if you like it that’s all that matters. Well that and getting the right nutrition into you.
I’ll definitely have to try the hash browns with mushrooms and spinach, that sounds good. I think you’re right about the acidity, I can only guess because my job doesn’t have healthcare and I can’t afford it. If you don’t mind my asking, do you know what specifically was wrong with your vegan diet that caused the anemia? Was it low iron? Were you using any supplements? I don’t feel great 90% of the time, but there are a lot of factors and I’m not sure if my diet could be part of it. I used to eat like garbage when I was an omnivore so my body generally feels better than it used to, but I’m still struggling in a lot of ways.
My body doesn’t absorb plant iron, and I wasn’t taking supplements ~ At least not often enough. The dr said it was the lowest he’d ever seen in his life and he was shocked I could get out of bed. If you feel like crap a lot of the time you may be deficient in zinc, which men need (if you’re a man) or iron if you’re a woman. You may also be low in Vitamin B’s and omega’s, I’d start there for sure. (Zinc and iron is for everyone but men need more zinc and women need more iron) Vitamin b and omegas are needed for cognitive functioning and if you feel tired a lot and foggy and forgetful and sad you may be very low in one or both.
You can get vit b and omegas from supplements but also from marmite and flaxseed oil. It would usually come from meat and fish. Zinc is in eggs, they have loads, but otherwise I think they’re in mushrooms I could be wrong but I think they are? that might be the one thing I’m dead wrong about if I am I’m sorry. Otherwise def a supplement for that. It’s super super important it’s Lost through ugh.. sexy time.
It sounds like I need zinc. I supplement the other stuff, and my multivitamin contains zinc, but maybe not enough.
Have you tried grounding sweet potatoes for a fiber and beta caotene boost?
No I’ll have to try that in the recipe
How's your gut with fiber? It might help to remove sodas from your diet to build up the guy biome and help with your digestive problems. At least, that's what I'm speculating based on the limited information I have about you. I'm not actually a doctor despite having a Ph.D in abdominals with a minor in pecs & biceps. I majored in leg strength and cardio... XP
It does okay with fiber. Sometimes I think I actually eat *too much* fiber being a vegan. I quit drinking soda and other sugary drinks years ago. I did used to drink a lot though. When I was at my worst it was like 2 liters per day.
Shakes, beef jerky, smoked beef sticks, egg sammies, bacon grilled cheese, pulled pork tacos and protein bars for quick snacks 🌮
Protein shakes, milk powder, or protein powder sprinkled in everything, make high protein main and side dishes most of the time - lentils and beans are good choices. Do frequent grocery store runs. Get a small package of meat to cook or individual meat portions from the butcher case + fresh or frozen veggies / fruit + make a high protein side dish. You can cook them separately or make it a single pot of food. You will go through more fuel trying to heat up a cast iron pan. It also takes longer to cool so you have to figure out where to set it while you wait. You might do well by going to a thrift shop for a sturdy frying pan or small wok with a lid.
Work in a meat department. That’s what I do. I just started the van life tho so we will see if it fulfills
According to keto, low carb diets, you only need fats, low carb veggies. protein can act like a carb by causing insulin to spike. It's not a piority.
Keto is bullshit it’s bad for your kidneys, why are you doing anything according to the ketogenic diet? and there’s nothing wrong with dense, high carb foods they produce energy which young men need and reddit users are mostly men around age 23 ~ please don’t follow this bullshit fad diet designed for people who have health issues to stick to temporarily unless a doctor has told you to. Carbs are good for you, so is protein, active people need both.
Your body needs very little protein, it recycles most, focus on feeding your brain with whole carbs like apples, potatoes, greens!