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Mama's Song: Joy in the Morning Light
Apr. 1, 2007
Eating Out
Some have asked what we eat when we are traveling. It probably seems too simple to just say fruits and vegetables, so I'll explain a little further for those who are interested.
We used to stop at Taco Bell, thinking it was fine food, beans, and veggies, tortillas and such. We'd get bean burritos without the cheese, or tacos minus the meat, and cheese, add beans. We'd tell them to make it "fresco style" and they'd add a "fresh" tomato salsa. It was quick and easy and didn't require much thinking ahead. But after looking up the ingredients of their products on the internet, my husband says we can't afford to eat there. It would kills us in the long run. I know he's right. I heard someone say last night, "Do you want your food with nutrients or without nutrients." Well, when you put it that way, I guess I do want them with nutrients, even though it is a bit more work for the mama. Where do we get our nutrients? Yep, in the produce section of the grocery store, even when we are traveling.
We left with a well stocked ice chest, and lunch bag. I took my favorite seasonings, and some nuts, lots of fruit, lettuce and salad ingredients, some pre-cooked dried beans, some soaked and ready to cook, and some still dry to process later in the week. I took some organic brown rice. I took some homemade gluten free bread, and a few other things I thought we might need.
On the way to our destination we opened the ice chest and pulled out a pre-made salad for each person in a little Glad container. Big ones for mom and dad. Smaller ones for the kids. Each person's favorite toppings were already added. Then there were oranges and Fuji apples to choose from. Water was available for those who wanted it. We enjoyed the view at a mountain rest area while we ate. Much more pleasant then the crowded press and noise in a Taco Bell. Every one was filled and nourished. I did have to make the salads before we left, but really it didn't take that long, and it took less time to eat then waiting in line at a "fast food" place. (I think that may be an oxymoron. Since when where they fast, and I'm learning that the food value of such items is suspect.)
At our cabin we made salads, ate beans, rice, and baked sweet potato fries. I even made an oil free curry one day because I had brought my spices with me. We at potatoes in several forms. I had my vita mix along so we could eat smoothies to our hearts content. I brought some fruit with us from our freezer at home. It was part of the "ice" in the ice chest, which I then put in the freezer in the cabin refrigerator. We usually had them once a day. We can't do that as easy when we are camping, but in a cabin it was easy. Yes. I do have to plan a bit ahead. And yes, it does take some time to prepare meals, but I'm sure we were always done in less time then it would take to drive someone where and find a place to eat, and then wait for the food to be prepared. And I know we finished with a clearer head then if we had gone some where to eat fatty rich food. Also, it is much more affordable to eat out of the ice box.
As soon as our supply of lettuce was low, we headed into town and found a grocery store. I know what kind of produce Safeway and Albertson's have, and the prices they charge, so I usually look around for a store that might have a bigger selection or cheaper prices. Some towns even have stores that sell only produce now. They are wonderful to find. In Oak Harbor we found this Saar's Marketplace. It was a great store. The produce was great for a small town and the prices didn't cause me to have a heart attack. I always take the kids and husband in with me if possible so they can have a say in what goes into the cart. I tell the kids to find what they'd like to eat out of the produce section. That way they think they are in search for a treat.
Even my husband thought he was putting treats into the basket. They were all thrilled that we got pineapple. I always travel with a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board, so no matter where I am, we can cut up what we need to eat. It is also nice to have a small dishpan for washing produce as needed. I didn't need it this time because the cabin had a sink. But when camping a pan to wash produce in is very important. I keep a supply of Ziplocks in various sizes and disposable containers to put prepared food in, or left over food in. Also, I don't use many paper towels at home. I mainly use hand towels and wash rags in the kitchen. But when traveling the roll of paper towels stay near the front seat with me for easy clean up. A supply of grocery bags help too for the peels, and the trimmings. Mmm! The pineapple did turn out sweet and delicious! We should have bought four instead of just two.
Sometimes produce can seem expensive, but when that is the main thing we were putting in the cart, it doesn't turn out that bad. Really! Chips and pop and junk food add much faster then produce, and when you are done eating them, you still need a meal. We can buy a whole basket of produce for the price of a trip to a nice Thai food restaurant, and that is just what we did! I'm sure it didn't cost much more for us to eat away from home, then it did to eat at home.
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Apr. 4, 2007 - Great ideas.
Our Oregon roadtrip last summer was very succesful as far as eating. We had a cooler with us and we would stock it every time we stopped at a grocery. I also kept our favorite dressings cold and that makes it easy to toss together a salad in a Ziplock bag at a rest stop. It's all about the toppings! My other favorite is nut butters and fresh breads picked up at the bakery section. Homemade fruit spreads are a great addtition to the picnic basket too.
Thanks for the great ideas and the beautiful photos.
Barb