By Whole30 team member Jen Kendall, who packs vegetables instead of potato chips, to her husband’s great dismay.
Taking a road trip or a camping trip this summer during your Whole30? NO PROBLEM. At first, it might seem challenging, but it is absolutely possible to do both. Just employ two of our most favorite Whole30 keys to success—planning and preparation. And yes, it’s true that you’ll miss out on some nostalgic classics (did someone say S’mores?), but you’ll love your fresh and nourishing Whole30 food so much, you might not even miss it.*
I am writing from personal experience. My husband Quinn and I love to hit the road and take advantage all of the incredible nature that Utah and the surrounding western states have to offer. From the picturesque Grand Tetons to Southern Utah’s magnificent canyon country and everything in between, we’ve taken our Whole30 (and Whole30-ish) eating with us everywhere we go. In fact, many of us here at Whole30 HQ are outdoor enthusiasts, so I pulled in some additional tips (and great photos) from some of my team members as well.
In Part 1 of my 2-part Whole30 In the Wild series, I outline everything you need to know about taking your Whole30 food on a road trip or camping adventure—what to pack, what to prioritize, and plenty of other fresh ideas to support your Whole30 reset successfully away from home.
*Okay, you might miss your time-honored campfire treats, but you definitely won’t miss the sugar hangover the next day.
Prioritize Protein
I have found that it’s most difficult to source Whole30 compatible proteins while on the road. Take some extra time to plan for your protein needs and make sure you are well-stocked for all of your meals. When in doubt, toss an extra few cans of tuna or an extra pack of hot dogs or pre-cooked sausages into the cooler—these won’t spoil if they don’t wind up being used, but will come in handy if you run short on protein.
A good cooler is a worthwhile investment. I travel with a sturdy cooler that is large enough to hold several days’ worth of food and keeps my items cold for at least 24 hours. I refresh the ice every day or two to keep my fresh food (protein in particular) cold and to be sure that everything is well sealed.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Pack between 1-3 eggs per person, per day. Eggs pair perfectly with Primal Kitchen’s Chipotle Lime Mayo and a sprinkle of salt.
Rotisserie Chicken
Remove from the bone and shred, and store in zip-top bags. Whole Foods carries a compatible rotisserie chicken, and some Whole30’ers have had luck finding a compatible option at their local grocery store.
Smoked Salmon
Top with sliced cucumbers, avocado, and fresh tomato for a fast, egg-free breakfast.
Photos: Melissa Urban and Brooklyn Biltong
Tuna
Mix Whole30 compatible tuna (we love Safe Catch) with compatible mayo and seasonings of choice, wrap in a large leaf of lettuce, and top with fresh tomato slices. Or, make what Shanna (Whole30 Director of Digital Content) calls “Tuna-cado.” Mash half of a ripe avocado together with a can of tuna. Eat with baby carrots or mini-bell peppers. For extra credit, top with hot sauce (we love Siete’s Hot Sauce)
Shrimp
Pre-cooked and chilled. Whip up this Tessemae’s cocktail sauce and store in a small glass container prior to leaving for a shrimp cocktail on the go.
Deli meat
Create roll-ups with crunchy veggies of choice, avocado, and Primal Kitchen Mayo. True Story Foods and Applegate offer Whole30 Approved deli meat in sealed packages
Hot Dogs or Pre-Cooked Sausages
The Applegate Great Organic Hot Dogs are super popular with the Whole30 community, and for good reason. They also have select Whole30 Approved sausage. Both items travel really well! They’re delicious when topped with Tessemae’s Ketchup and Mustard. Many Whole30ers have had luck finding many of these Teton Waters Ranch sausages in their local grocery stores as well.
Compatible Bacon
The morning your fry up your Whole30 Approved bacon will be the best day of your entire camping trip, hands down. Pederson’s Natural Farms, Applegate Natural’s, and Naked Bacon have delicious sugar-free options that can be cooked over the campfire or on your camp stove. Fry up some eggs and veggies in the leftover bacon grease for a one-pan camping breakfast. Then, hit the trail with some extra pep in your step!
Photos: Dolly’s Whole Life and Shanna Keller
Prosciutto
Excellent wrapped around pre-sliced fruit or veggies and relatively easy to find a compatible version at the “regular” grocery store. Just look for “pork and salt” as the only ingredients. We especially love the prosciutto from Applegate Farms.
On-the-go Proteins
We have several fantastic Whole30 Approved partners making jerky and meat bars & sticks; you should be able to find an option you like no matter what your taste. Check out Chomps, DNX, EPIC Provisions, Nick’s Sticks, Brooklyn Biltong, and Ayoba for some incredible options. Expert tip: pack more than you think you’ll need, as on-the-go protein is the most difficult Whole30 item to source on the fly.
Eat Your Veggies
Here’s the fun part. In the spring and summer months, we score big on seasonal, local produce at farmers markets and roadside produce stands we find along the way. If you stumble upon something like this, pull the car over and take advantage! These spontaneous stops are what traveling is all about. Aim for a serving or two of nutrient-dense veggies at each meal.
Mini Veggies
Baby carrots; mini cucumbers; sugar snap peas and snow peas; grape and cherry tomatoes; mini bell peppers and celery sticks are all sturdy veggies that hold up well in the cooler. Pack along some Primal Kitchen or Tessemae’s Organic Ranch or compatible nut butter for dipping (Georgia Grinder’s pecan butter is a Whole30 team favorite!).
Veggies to Roast
Bell Pepper Slices (all colors); Brussels sprouts, onions, and asparagus all travel well and are lovely roasted in foil packets over a fire or strung on skewers for kabobs.
Pack your Greens
Spinach, baby kale, arugula or shredded cabbage all make fantastic salads, just add any of the veggies above. Top with rotisserie chicken or tuna salad for a full meal.
Fun Extras
Top your morning campfire eggs off with a heaping scoop of Zia Green Chile salsa for a flavor kick, or toss a pack of SeaSnax nutrient-packed roasted seaweed into your daypack.
Add In Some Fruit
We (the Whole30 team) aren’t overly concerned about fruit consumption in general (especially in summer, or when you’re especially active), but it’s important to be mindful of why and how you’re eating fruit. Ideally, we recommend eating fruit with your meals instead of by itself as a snack, dessert, or treat, but if you wanted to roast some pineapple chunks over an open fire as you tell stories late into the night, we wouldn’t be mad about it.
The Obvious Picks
Apples, bananas, and citrus fruits are usually sturdy and hold up well on long car rides and inside of day packs.
Good-If-You-Can-Get-It
If you’re lucky enough to pass a local farmer’s market or roadside stand, pull the car over so that you can purchase some seasonal, local berries or stone fruit and enjoy.
The Backup Options
Individual packets of unsweetened applesauce, compatible baby food packets, or dried fruit-and-nut bars are useful for high-energy activities like mountain biking, trail running or hiking.
Photo: Shanna Keller
Healthy Fats
Don’t forget about healthy fats while on the road—not only do they make your food taste extra-delicious, they will keep you full and satisfied. Whether you bring one source or several, make sure you have something on hand for roasting veggies, drizzling over veggies, or cooking up some protein. Here are some of my favorites:
Olives & Pickles
Cans and pouches are both very portable. A handful of olives is both tasty and highly satiating and pickles provide a satisfying crunch on a warm day. Olive My Pickle and Grillo’s Pickles are our favorites.
Cooking Fats
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, or Coconut oil are all portable if you keep them in a small jar with a tight lid, like a Mason jar. Tin Star Ghee now comes in packets, which are easy to travel with and great for foil-roasting your veggies over a fire.
Avocado
“Purse Avocados” are a Whole30 thing for a reason… they hold up well to their fair share of toting around. Toss a few into your camping cache to accompany any of your meals.
Photo: Safe Catch
Nut Butters
Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, Coconut Butter and (no sugar added) Sunbutter are all great to spread on veggies and fruit.
Nuts and Seeds
These are highly portable and satisfying. Rock It Snacks pumpkin seeds are incredible for fueling adventure and are great to toss in the backpack for a nutrient-packed, crunchy snack.
Don’t Forget the Mayo
Whole30 compatible mayo is a great accompaniment for many of the quick meals that you throw together from your protein, veggie, and fruit stash. Make your own or get a jar of one of the Whole30 Approved Primal Kitchen varieties.
Spicy And Saucy
Make your Whole30 on-the-road meals pop with sauces and spices. Pack your favorite flavors from home and always remember the salt and pepper!*
Dressings and Sauces
There are so many fantastic recipes for homemade dressings and sauces on our Whole30 Recipes feed. Make your own and store it in a glass jar in your cooler, or pick a few favorites made by one of our Whole30 Approved partners at Tessemae’s, Primal Kitchen or The New Primal. Whole30 also carries a line of delicious dressings.
Photo: Melissa Urban
Salt and Pepper
DON’T FORGET THE S&P! They are your camping foods’ best friends. I use unrefined and mineral-rich Redmond Real Salt.
Get Spicy
Pack along a few spice blends of choice for extra credit. We love Laila Ali’s spice blends, Primal Palate, and Paleo Powder.
*I’ve been known to have my husband make emergency runs up to tiny camp stores to grab a handful of salt and pepper packets while I have dinner roasting on the fire, and believe me, it’s far more convenient to just remember to pack it.
Your Portable Kitchen
Don’t forget to take along some basic cooking tools and utensils. Here’s a list of the items I consider necessities for Whole30 road trips.
- Sharp paring knives, or one for meat and one for veggies
- A camp stove, preferably one with two burners. I love my Coleman Triton Stove. Don’t forget propane!
- A couple pans of choice. Cast Iron skillets may be heavy, but they are excellent for camping because they don’t need to be washed with soap.
- 1-2 easy-to-wash cutting boards
- Matches and lighter fluid for starting a fire
- Utensils: long tongs (for pulling items out of the fire), can opener, spatula, a large spoon, and any other favorites.
- Portable silverware, dishes, and cups
- A french press for your coffee
- Glass containers: easy to clean and store leftovers
- Plastic Ziploc baggies
- Aluminum foil, especially for campfire meals
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I share my favorite ideas and recipes to jazz up your Whole30 campfire meals. What are your favorite Whole30 road tripping and camping tips and tricks? Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
Jen Kendall is the Whole30 Approved Program Manager and an avid lover of the outdoors. You can find her on Instagram, where she regularly posts photos of her adventures. She lives in Atlanta, GA.
