Traveling and Eating Organically

On a recent trip to Pittsburg, PA, my wife and I decided we would focus on eating organically for the entire trip. We  understood the challenges that cooking on the road may present and that it is not for everyone, however, we were willing to invest the time and the effort to understand the challenges and benefits of organic cooking in a hotel room.  This was especially important because organic eating is the base of our nutrition plan. We both follow specific nutrition programs due to health issues. As much as we enjoy eating in restaurants, only a very few (despite their claims) have true organic food menus.  Enjoying a nice view while cooking and eating......added bonus.

If this speaks to you, keep reading. We have a few suggestions that can make hotel cooking an enjoyable experience. One that will help you stay healthy while traveling and save you a few dollars along the way.

Bring the right supplies 

If you’re staying at a “regular” hotel room, cooking will require you to bring a few small appliances and supplies with you.  

First, there are a few important appliances you will need:  rice cooker, crock pot and juicer to bring for hotel room cooking. If you don't have these appliances, they can be found in Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Estate Sales, at very low cost.

Here are some of the best supplies we found for cooking in the hotel room when travelling by auto. Obviously it would be challenging if not impossible to include in airline luggage fragile items such as the rice cooker, crock pot and juicer. Go auto! 

• Small cutting board (we cut ours on a plate)
• Knife for chopping vegetables
• plates/bowls
• Utensils
• Mixing bowl
• tea towels and/or pot holders

We have an insulated travel bag with wheels that is perfect for lugging larger appliances. It also functions as a cooler in your room.

Key To Success When Cooking in a hotel room – Plan Ahead!

Bring your favorite recipes for the  rice cooker, crock pot and juicer or do a little research on Pinterest. It is not too difficult. There are issues with bringing certain foods across borders (USA/Canada) so check with US Customs or just plan to buy locally when you arrive at your destination. Organic grocery stores are popping up everywhere. 

We recently went to Fresh Thyme in Pittsburg PA and were impressed with the quality and selection of organic food. 

We hope this guide to cooking organically in a hotel room has helped you out.  While it’s not for everyone (or every meal!), learning how to do hotel room cooking can be a big food savings and healthy alternative when you’re traveling. Have you tried cooking in hotel rooms? What challenges have you found? What benefits have you enjoyed?

Join us for Keto Spaghetti?....Made in the hotel room, yum!

Talk Soon,

Donald Grandy

Precision Nutrition Certification - Pn1

Noble Samurai Affiliate

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Coach

dongrandy@gmail.com