Days 37 - 41

We spent 3 days away last week manning a display table at a conference .  Because I made my diet change about 4 1/2 years ago, there was no real challenge to being away and staying on our raw foods diet.  I learned a long time ago that the simple solution is to be prepared to make at least 2 of your daily meals in your hotel room.  This not only ensures that you have healthy and fresh foods, but it also keeps food expenses to a minimum.  It means buying foods at the grocery store instead of the restaurant.  We would usually have only one meal a day at a restaurant.

The other thing that we have found is that we require so much less to eat when we are not as physically active as we would be at home.  So, for travelling in the car, I always prepare green smoothies and keep them cool in individual sized thermos bottles.  I also prepare fresh fruit.  These all go into an insulated bag along with a couple of small ice packs.  Then we can either eat while driving or just pull over at a scenic spot and have our fresh feast.

Sometime ago I purchased a travel blender.  This has made many a road trip, both in the car and on the motorcycle.  It's been to BC and back, been used at motorcycle rallies, and seen lots of motel and hotel rooms.

If possible we try to get a room with a mini fridge, but we also travel with a plug in cooler, one that works on 12 volt and has an adapter for 110.  That way I just stock up in the produce department of the grocery store as we travel along.  No need to buy large quantities as almost every community has groceries available.

Restaurant dining can sometimes be challenging, a little more so if eating 100 per cent raw.  Our smaller communities tend not to have eating establishments that cater to specialized diets.  But almost everyone has a fresh salad.  If we were not eating entirely raw, I would have a baked potato with that and be totally satisfied.  Some locations do offer meal sized salads that are very good, and they are usually willing to add or delete items to meet your preference - if they have them.

When not eating all raw, we might have Chinese food (all veggies of course) - ordering it without MSG, sugar or salt.  I always carry a little bottle of Herbamare in my purse so that we can add our own seasoning. Or we might have a vegetarian pasta or pizza (without the cheese), or maybe a lettuce and tomato sandwich or veggie sub.  Believe me, there is always something that we can eat!  Restaurants try to accommodate as best they can.

For longer trips, I try to plan ahead and have our own cookies - both baked and raw, as well as homemade fruit and nut bars, and other healthy foods to supplement what is available in the stores and eating establishments.  Many times we take our own breakfast cereals and sweeteners and non-dairy milk.  Bags of dried fruit (unsulphured) and raw nuts and seeds take up very little room.  Again, having all of this with us really cuts down on food expense.  It just takes a little planning and organization.  The first trip is always the most challenging.

Well, here we are at day 41.  Our 40 day raw has actually turned into 46, and we are still loving it.  More new recipes coming your way over the next few days.  Stay turned!

To you health...

Beverly Facey, Certified Health Coach