The Power of ENERGY in Food

When you think of the word energy, what does it bring to mind? Is it something that you say you have less than half a tank of? Or maybe you are perpetually running with your internal fuel light on and only have ¼ tank of what you really need? Do you feel that some days you can wake up at 6 a.m. and get a workout in, run out to the grocery store, eat healthy throughout the day, and come home to make a healthy dinner at a sensible hour? Maybe other days nothing really gets done and all you want to do is binge one of your favorite TV shows and consume all the unhealthy food you can find.

The truth is our bodies aren’t always going to give us the fuel we require in order to create the energy that we NEED to get through the day. There will be some days you might absolutely need to rest and binge on that show, and that is OK, too. But for all of the other days where you are just too busy to get in the nutritious foods that your body requires in order to create and boost your energy, you need something simple and easy that will give you the right nutrients.

One might think that a bowl of cereal or just plain yogurt in the morning, a salad for lunch, and a sandwich for dinner is all we’ll need to get us through the day, but most days that isn’t nearly enough.  Think about it this way: if you decide to fuel up your RV with cheaper gas than you normally put in, do you think your vehicle will perform the same way?  How about trying to pull your 5th-wheel with a Jeep or a small pickup truck?  Not going to happen, right?  These small vehicles don’t have the energy and power needed to pull the 5th-wheel around.  In the same way, when we take shortcuts with our diets ― like consuming too much fried food, too many stops at fast-food restaurants, not eating quality and nutrient-dense food, or even choosing not to eat anything at all ― it is hazardous to our health.  All of these combinations can lead our bodies to shut down and keep us from having the energy to do something as simple as taking a short walk and enjoying our travels.  Healthy food will not only help you to create and have energy but it also will help you to stay fit, it will help combat stress in a better way, and it will keep you alert while you’re on the road.

Now, let’s talk about the key energy players when it comes to consuming the RIGHT ingredients.  Every nutrient in food has some purpose within our bodies.  It is our job to choose the correct ingredients/food for the right times.  In order to maintain a healthy body and maintain energy levels, we need three main components: protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats (yes, you DO need fat!). 

Let’s break it down even further:  Protein helps you to repair tissues, keeps you fuller for a longer period of time, and helps to build muscle.  You need protein in order for your body to use up the energy you take in from carbs. (Some examples of protein: nuts, string cheese, nut butters, Greek yogurt.)  Carbohydrates: Now, some of you will say NO to carbs, but here is the thing, you NEED them!  I’m not talking about carbs that are slow-digesting, like regular pasta, white rice, and white potatoes, to name a few. I’m talking about slower-digesting carbs like brown rice, oats, vegetables, etc.  These are CRUCIAL for brain function, and your brain runs on glucose (a type of sugar that is needed and the main source of energy for your body’s cells). These carbs help to create that HAPPY mood in our body.  Fats: Another “wait a minute, hold on” moment might be ready to leap out of your mouth, but, YES, fats are crucial.  Healthy fats like avocados, eggs, olive oil, flaxseeds, cashews, tofu, etc. help you to feel full, are slow-digesting foods (which help keep your blood sugar levels in check), and are great for healthy, glowing skin.  

The Art of the Smoothie

Overall, energy is needed whether we are going on a long hike or on a long road trip.  One of the simplest ways to consume the right nutrients is in the form of a smoothie!  These are one of the easiest meals to consume, ESPECIALLY while you are on the road.  The equipment doesn’t take up too much room, and whether you are headed for a quick weekend getaway or are on the road full time, the ingredients are easy to store.  All you need is a small blender!  Here are some of the ones I have had over the years.  My favorite at-home blender is always the largest blender, but while I’m camping (whether tent camping or in the RV), I always opt for my rechargeable blender, which is more compact and convenient since it has a USB attachment.  I have also used it for days when I was working on the road and knew I probably wouldn’t have time to stop for lunch.  Smoothies provide you with a way of including all of the important food elements into one travel-friendly drink.  Below I have included a few options for you to try out this season!  Safe travels and healthy eating!

Morning Wake-Up Call Smoothie

• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (can also use almond or any other nut milk of your liking)
• ½ cup coffee (cold)
• 3 Tbsp oats
• 1 tsp unsweetened shredded coconut (and some extra for garnish)
• 1 Tbsp almond or cashew butter
• ½ frozen banana 
• Dash of cinnamon

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached. Top with extra shredded coconut

  

Banana Oat Nut Yogurt Smoothie

• ½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 frozen banana
• 3 Tbsp oats
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ Tbsp almond or cashew butter
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached. 
• For added protein, you can blend in a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder

  

Chocolate Power Smoothie Bowl

• ½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder or just 1 Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 Tbsp oats
• 1 ½ Tbsp natural peanut butter (or cashew or almond butter)
• ½ cup ice
• 1 tsp unsweetened shredded coconut
• Toppings: 1 tsp granola, 1 Tbsp chopped nuts, 1 tsp chia seed, 1 tsp ground flaxseeds, unsweetened shredded coconut.  You can also buy a box of unsweetened granola that has most of these ingredients.

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients (except the toppings) into a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.  If you want a thicker consistency, add more ice. 
• Serve in a bowl and add desired toppings

  

Very Berry Smoothie

• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla or strawberry protein powder
• ½ cup frozen blueberries, strawberries
• Optional: cherries
• 2 Tbsp oats,
• 1 tsp ground flaxseeds
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• Optional: ½ cup frozen kale or spinach, ½ an avocado (peel and pit removed)

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.  

  

 

Yvette Rodriguez is a US Air Force Veteran, FMCA Member, Nutritionist and Personal Trainer who found her love for the outdoors after her first camping trip.  Since then, she has found ways to combine all of these passions and brings them together on her blog Sunset Fare.  She recently self-published a cookbook geared towards RVers and campers.  Yvette enjoys camping and RV trips with her husband, cat and dog, always with a camera and spatula in hand!