Traveling to the other side of the globe…GF, of course

I had the opportunity to join my husband in New Zealand while he was there on business, obviously my first reaction was a normal form of excitement. My immediate second reaction was completely abnormal, because not many people have to constantly switch gears into survival mode. I may sound dramatic but here’s how the situation unfolded:

1. Total travel time: 24 hours, which  equates to at least 3 meals plus snacks (at least)
2. Neither airline was able to guarantee a safe meal for me
3. Neither airline would be able to heat food up for me
4. Customs in New Zealand is super strict-you cannot bring food through

All of this basically means I had to precisely figure out enough food to get me through 2 very long flights, drag it with me across the world and try not to over pack and end up throwing away, precious, expensive, safe food.

My approach: High protein, high fiber; Easy to “make” and easy to carry- bring items that can be paired with what is available at the airport or on the plane. Taste standards go down when you’re in survival mode, but I tried to get gourmet.

PS all of this effort was just for the way there, getting back is a whole other approach.

Here’s what I did…

Meal 1, Dinner: “Beef Teriyaki” which actually means, a cup of instant noodles and teriyaki beef jerky. It could have been worse, I suppose. Krave is still my ultimate favorite  jerky-every flavor is amazing. The noodles on the other hand, really needed boiling water and I’m pretty sure the water the stewardess poured in my pathetic cup was just hot. The noodles never really softened up …but that didn’t stop me from eating it. For the record, the wine helped.

Meal 2, Breakfast: PB Banana Oatmeal. The more legit of meals, a packet of eco-planet GF oatmeal, 1 fresh banana, 1 packet of Justin’s Almond Butter (yum!), and a packet of honey. This time the “boiling” water was hot enough to make the food edible, and it was genuinely delicious. Not quite the egg omelets and French toast being passed around the cabin, but satisfied my hunger with a smile.

Meal 3, I forgot what time of the day it is and I’m hungry: I discovered Vega products, which essentially have a ton of protein, fiber and lots of veggies in the form of a bar or powder (just add water). The flavors are really great and snacks are filling.

GF foods that are usually available at airport/plane that can be eaten on own or paired with something you bring:

• Nuts
• Yogurt
•    Fresh Fruit (pair with a packet of PB)
• Dried Fruit
• Fresh Veggies
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Jerky-50/50 that it’s GF
• Milk (pair with your own cereal)
• Juice/Water bottle (pair with smoothie powder)
• Hot Water (pair with instant oatmeal or soups)
•  Cheese-read label (pair with your own crackers)

Obviously if you’re willing to travel with a heftier load you can pre-make a meal and carry in a small soft shell cooler (avoiding liquids):

•  Sandwiches –I have yet to find a GF bread that travels well and/or taste good without being toasted or made into French toast
• Pasta & Sauce-Make the night before, place in Tupperware and freeze overnight, throw in your bag and it will be defrosted by the afternoon
• Bean Salad-Choose ½ cup of 2 different beans; add some fresh herbs and your favorite vinaigrette  
• Chicken Salad- do everyone around you a favor and don’t make tuna fish

Whether you’re traveling 1 mile or 30,000 miles away from home, it’s always an adventure, but knowing it’s possible, is worth sharing. Get creative and enjoy life.