Eating healthy on the road doesn’t have to be a struggle, even with limited space and the constant temptation of fast food.
Honestly, living in a van has made us eat better than we did when we lived in a house – seriously.
So, if you’re wondering what to eat when living in your car, or wanting easy van life meal ideas, we’ve got you covered!
We’re not nutritionists, but after years of road tripping and living the van life, we’ve learned a few things about how to eat well without compromising on taste or our health. Here’s how we do it.
This was originally posted in 2019 and has recently been updated.
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1. Stock Up on Fresh, Whole Foods
You know the saying “you are what you eat”? Well, when you live in a van, it’s even more true.
We make sure our van is stocked with fresh, whole foods because, honestly, it’s cheaper and healthier than relying on processed stuff.
We keep the fridge (we’ve got a 12V fridge – game changer!) packed with:
- Proteins: Fresh meat like chicken, fish, and the occasional lean steak (shoutout to kangaroo if you’re in Australia!), eggs,, and beans.
- Carbs: Rice, pasta, quinoa, oats, and whole-grain wraps. We’ve even bought rice in bulk – because who doesn’t love a 5kg bag of rice that’ll last for months?
- Veggies & Fruits: Whatever we can get at the local markets. Support the locals and eat what’s fresh!
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil. Oh, and don’t forget cheese (because, who doesn’t love cheese?).
- Dairy: Greek yogurt and long-life milk that we can use in a pinch.
Fresh foods can last a surprisingly long time if you store them right. And trust me, having a decent fridge means you’re not resorting to greasy takeaways.
2. Make the Most of Local Produce
One of the best things about van life is the opportunity to shop local. Farmers’ markets are your best friend. You get to support local businesses while getting fresh, nutrient-packed food. Plus, when you shop in smaller towns, you’ll find the best seasonal produce, and it’s often cheaper and tastier than what you get in the supermarkets.
Not to mention, there’s something special about cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the land you’re traveling through. We’re all about eating seasonally and supporting the communities we pass through.
3. One-Pan Van Life Meals
When you’re cooking in a van, space is tight, so one-pan meals are a must. We love meals that are quick, easy, and don’t require too many pots and pans. Here are a few of our go-tos:
- Cajun Chicken with Rice & Veggies: Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.
- Stir-Fried Veggies & Noodles: Toss in tofu, eggs, or chicken – whatever you’ve got – and it’s a quick, easy meal.
- Wraps & Salads: When the heat’s cranked up, we go for wraps with whatever veggies, proteins, and sauces we’ve got on hand. Sometimes, just some rice, avocado, and a bit of chicken, and we’re good to go.
- Chili or Curry: These are bulk meals that last for days, and they taste even better the next day. Plus, they’re perfect for those long travel days when you just need a hearty meal.
The key is versatility – pick ingredients that you can use in multiple dishes. Keep things fresh, and you don’t end up wasting food.
4. Meal Prep & Snacks for the Win
On long driving days, we’re not exactly in the mood to cook, so we plan our van meals ahead. Meal prepping saves us time and helps us avoid fast food temptations.
Here’s what we keep in the van for snacks:
- Nuts & Seeds: Great for munching between stops.
- Boiled Eggs: Easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or salad topping.
- Homemade Energy Balls: A lifesaver when you need a quick energy boost on the go.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, or whatever’s in season.
We also always have water on hand – sometimes thirst disguises itself as hunger, and drinking water is the easiest way to avoid eating junk.
5. Small Space? No Problem
Cooking in a van doesn’t have to be a hassle. Sure, the kitchen space is tiny, but you make do. Here’s how we manage:
- Multi-purpose gear: A good, deep pan is basically a van chef’s best friend. You can fry, sauté, and even make one-pot meals with it.
- Prep ahead: We chop up veggies before hitting the road. If it’s already ready, cooking is a breeze.
- Clean as you go: This isn’t just for tidiness – it helps keep the van from feeling like a disaster zone after each meal.
Even on days when we don’t feel like cooking, a simple wrap with avocado, tuna, and spinach beats fast food any day.
6. Balance is Key
We’re not perfect eaters, and we’re not here to preach. Eating well is about balance, not restriction.
Yes, we eat healthy most of the time, but we also treat ourselves. A nice meal out, a piece of chocolate, or a cheeky ice cream – it’s all part of the journey.
Van life meals don’t have to be all about grilled chicken and kale salads (though those are pretty damn good, too). Sometimes it’s about enjoying the ride, eating what makes you feel good, and treating yourself without overdoing it.
At the end of the day, living in a van means you have the freedom to make your meals as healthy as you want. A little creativity, planning, and good food choices can make a world of difference.
Got any go-to van life meals or tips for eating healthy on the road? Join our road trip Facebook group and let us know! We’d love to hear your favourites.
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