The saying is right, it’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru. Throughout the deserts of Utah, Nevada, and scattering up towards the Northwest, my 4-wheel drive, motorized cubical has transported me to-and-from rock climbing meccas, dirt-ridden campsites, and the occasional stress-provoking web of the interstate. Deliberately living on the road is practically a rite of passage for avid climbers seeking the romance and freedom of the open West. But as we strive to master the ways of converting our vehicles into homes, maintaining proper dietary habits is essential to our roadside health.
The food we eat acts as a travel kit to keep our energy levels high and juju radiant, so let’s make the effort to ensure our diet doesn’t take a dive as we pack on the miles.
- Pack Snacks: On a road trip, avoid the temptation to grab nutritionally empty, calorie-packed, junk food from gas stations or fast food joints by packing healthy, energizing, travel-friendly snacks. Keep a cooler in your vehicle and fill it with fruits, vegetables, hummus, yogurt, cheese, tortillas, peanut butter, nuts, and sliced turkey for an anytime sandwich or nibble. Have time to prepare a sweet snack before pulling out of your driveway? Hand roll these no-bake, peanut butter energy bites in 10 minutes by combining the following ingredients for a protein packed cookie substitute.
1 cup quick oats
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup agave or honey
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon chia seed
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 scoops Gnarly Protein Powder
- Eat in Small Amounts: Eating too much at once will make you sleepy and sluggish, while routinely eating small amounts will keep your energy and satisfaction high. When energy and concentration are necessary on a long drive, fill your body with high-quality protein, whether it be the occasional handful of almonds or a Gnarly protein shake, to keep your muscles and mind healthy.
- Drink Water: I use road trips as a way to rehydrate and replenish my body. Keeping a water bottle and straw nearly in-hand throughout a drive allows me to mindlessly hydrate in preparation for whatever adventure is at hand. Take advantage of ice machines at gas stations to keep your water refreshing and store a few pre-filled bottles of water in your cooler to ensure you won’t run low on water on a long drive.
Revamp Your Morning Coffee: Kill two birds with one stone by adding protein powder to your morning coffee. Shake room temperature coffee, ice, and a scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate protein powder in a shaker bottle to reap the benefits of both whey protein and caffeine. Not only will the added protein keep you from digging into an unhealthy morning snack, but caffeine is proven to extend endurance, enhance performance, boost strength, sharpen focus, and bolster memory retention.
