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tips for eating healthy while backpacking
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captain poopypants
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i was just wondering what kind of tips you had to eat relatively well while backpacking on a limited budget.

i’m sure losing weight will be easy, but i’m also hoping to preserve as much strength/muscle mass as possible. that will be the hard part. pretty much, my goal will be to stay away from concentrated sugars (candy, nutella, fruit juices, etc) and get as much protien/whole grain/fiber as possible, as cheaply as possible.

my plan so far:
– not sure exactly what to expect for breakfast at these hostels, but i’d hope most of these places provide milk, cheese, etc… if i get some whole grain bread or cereal, i’ll be happy.
– fresh fruit — cheap, high-fiber, filling.
– gyros, kebabs, cart food — cheap grilled protein
– cold cuts? not sure how cheap they are around europe. and i know turkey isn’t as common there as in the u.s., so availability could be an issue in some areas (maybe?).

anything else?


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Cil
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You’re certainly on the right track; I would just round off the diet with as many dark green vegies (romaine lettuce, spinach etc) as I could by eating salad or something like it whenever I get the chance.


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eurkd
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A really good place to get cheap food, fresh fruits and veggies is at the local street market.  Depening on where you are there is one every morning so your food is always fresh.  Also you can buy just what you need. I’m sure your pretty healthy already (or you wouldn’t be asking!) but watch out for some of the cold cults in europe.  If they are the sasuage type or processed at all they are probably really high in fat and salt, which dehydrated and can make you lazy.  much better than eating nothing though.  They also sometimes don’t even have that much meat in them but lots of fillers.  They are tasty though.
Have fun
e


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Don
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Raw chickpeas are good for snacking while you walk. Fruit shops and corner greengrocers will probably have them in summer.


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jkfaust
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I like tuna for a quick, easy, and protein filled snack.  Its easy to find at any grocery store, and usually easy to find, foreign words for it are pretty close to “tuna.”  Just remember to pack a can opener and fork.


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regancannon
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Bringing this one back too, it’s a good topic.
 
Something I’m debating is bringing protein powder with me.  In a plastic bag, it’ll take up less room with every use, and can substitute for an on-the-go meal (or snack) if you must.  Any thoughts on this?
 
If you’re into veggies, you can grab some at the market and munch throughout the day.  Snowpeas, red/yellow peppers, broccoli, celery…it’s all pretty low-maintenance and tastes about the same raw as cooked.  Plus it’ll keep you full without breaking the bank or stuffing fatty snack foods.


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backi2008
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Here in Germany turkey becomes more and more popular. So you can get it nearly everywhere. And in supermarkets you can buy ready made salads, too.

But sometimes you should also try some typical food and not pay attention too much whether it’s healthy or not. Only by trying a crêpe in Paris, Fish and Chips in London or a currywurst in Berlin you can get a deeper insight in the country you travel to.


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Sunskin
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Turkey & chicken are very good selections..  Six words for good health no matter where you may be:
 
  Red Wine, bottled water, grain-bread, cheeze.
 
These are things you can get in almost any European country, and in small portions for the day.  You can buy a medium-sized bottle of water, half-litre of wine, good-sized sandwich with turkey or chicken, and a few slices or small block of cheese at market.


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regancannon
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Haha isn’t that technically 7 words….? [8D]
 
 


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miket
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I also like tuna i think a can has about 30+ grams of protein i usually add some chopped celery to it a little light mayo and make it into a salad, cucumber and tomatoes is also good. If im going to be taking anything ill just get discount vitamins online since it’s cheaper then buying them in stores.