5 Pantry Items We Travel With {Vacation Post!}

It’s true…. when we vacation, we still eat healthy!

Now, that does NOT mean we deprive ourselves or our kiddos (come on, it’s their world -- we’re just living in it!).

We DO enjoy all that our travels have to offer -- from checking out new cuisines, local favorites and delicious treats.

But… because we are budget AND health conscious -- I pack certain things to come with us (especially on road trip destinations) for a majority of our meals. We generally choose to grab take-out or enjoy a meal on the patio for dinner time.

Recently, the kid chefs and I got away for a beach trip. I packed enough goodies to keep our breakfasts simple & easy (morning smoothies) and options for quick lunches. The beach was our priority, people!

Why travel with these? Well, we could go shopping upon arrival -- but when it comes to the beach, the quicker we get our toes in the sand, the better. You tech savvy parents may have figured out grocery pick-up or delivery, but I haven’t. But mostly, it is because our regular destinations don’t have my favorite stores -- COSTCO and Trader Joe’s -- and it is way more time & cost efficient to stock up from home!

Here’s my Top 5: Pantry Items We Travel With

Orgain Vegan Protein Powder
Plant-based milks
Gluten free flour
Coconut oil
Seasoning: Everything Bagel or 21

So, as you might have already guessed -- we make breakfast smoothies or “shakes” to kick off our day. Our high-powered Vitamix blender is also in tow (we have a spare for such occasions - Ruby!). Just pour in some unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, coconut or macadamia), ice, fresh or frozen spinach, some fruit (berries or bananas), Orgain Vegan Protein Powder (chocolate or vanilla) and a dollop of nut butter -- and BLEND! A frosty, delicious way to turn whole foods to a meal replacement. Optional: super seed mix (chia, flax, cacao nibs and coconut for extra fiber, B vitamins and fatty acids).

GF flour blend comes in handy -- whether there’s a request for pancakes for breakfast, breaded fish or brownies for dessert… it is better to pack a few cups rather than hunt down a decent brand in an unfamiliar grocery store!

A high-quality oil is key to starting most hot meals -- we choose to pack coconut oil (at home, we alternate olive and avocado oils). Hint: if you’ve never used it, most coconut oils are not overly flavorful -- so don’t be afraid to use it in savory dishes. It is a wonderful alternative to “vegetable” oil, soybean and/or canola -- which are lower quality fat sources.

Lastly, seasonings! Having a great all-around seasoning is key to pepping up vegetables and proteins -- without having everything taste the same! We used to love 21 Seasoning (No Salt) from Costco or Trader Joe’s, but have recently fallen for Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Nothing is worse than arriving at your vacation rental to realize you have no way to prepare a quick meal, or, have to replace these fundamental elements, only to leave leftovers behind or toss them.

Hey, if vacation to you means things like...“that’s a strange place for a kitchen” … “where’s the server?” … or “absolutely no dishes”....then maybe this post isn’t for you. Listen, we take SIMPLE DAILY NUTRITION seriously around here -- meaning, it is simple and it happens easily, every day. We just happen to have been practicing for a long time (and that is why we share our tips here!).

So, where do we eat out when vacationing in Destin? {Fun fact: Dr. Holly grew up in Fort Walton Beach and worked in Destin restaurants!}

Stewby’s

McGuire’s

Burrito del Sol

Check out our next post…. ROAD TRIP SNACKS!

VIDEO: Dr. Holly shares her Top 5 Pantry Items to Travel With, from the beach house!