Waste-free, Healthy Food for Journeying

The thing I miss the most when I’m traveling is affordable, plastic-free, organic and fermented food. So this time I’m taking my own.

I’ve packed my steel water bottle, a cup and a spoon. I can use the cup for drinks, or to eat my muesli out of.

I have a few slices of my homemade sourdough bread, and an avocado that will hopefully ripen in time to squash onto it. I’ve got organic nuts, local fruit, dried fruit, homemade raw crackers, and locally made biodynamic beef jerky. Plenty of protein and nutrients there. I have half a batch of muffins to share with friends. I have essentials, like water and fair trade chocolate. None of these things need refrigeration, so they can be carted around in a backpack without problems.

Here are a few special travel food items to keep you healthy and avoid spending money on sugary, immune-sapping expensive treats.

My favourite spice blend is equal parts cacao, turmeric and cinnamon. I made up this mix in a little plastic bag (I’ll keep the empty bag, take it home and wash it). I use this to make hot chocolate (if I can find hot water, milk or coconut milk) or to sprinkle on muesli.

Spice blend all mixed up and ready to go.

This year I made an incredible raw fermented tomato paste. Because it’s fermented, concentrated and salted, it doesn’t need refrigeration! So I’ve packed a little jar of this powerhouse of nutrient and taste, to spread on bread or add to other savoury dishes for a boost of probiotics.

Chia seeds contain protein, magnesium, iron, and heaps of other nutrients. I usually add a tablespoon to my muesli in the morning, but you can also chew a small amount with lots of water for a quick and healthy energy hit. Great for on the road.

Finally, I’m carrying sprouts in my backpack. I have one lot already started in a plastic container, and a few more to sprout on the way. They just need soaking and daily rinsing. I’ll seal the container when I’m moving and give them some air when I can. Mung beans are one the easiest sprouts to grow, as they don’t ferment too quickly. Sprouting increases the available nutrients of the seed by dozens, or even hundreds, of times, depending on the vitamin.

I’ll bring all my packaging home and use it again. I will buy a few things on the go, but this bag of goodies will help me keep my body well fueled. No desperate cheap and nasty pies or muffins! I want to stay healthy while I’m on my journey.

What’s your favourite travel food?