Country Cookin' With Danielle
Country Thunder is upon us, y’all!! I am beyond stoked for this one because it combines two of my favorite pastimes… camping and live country music! This will be my first time at the famous fest in Twin Lakes, but I’ve heard things. Ohhh, have I heard things… Like it’s a helluva lotta fun!
I’ve also heard the weather can be pretty steamy and that there may or may not be some adult beverages to be had (thank goodness). I don’t know about you, but drinking or not, I would like to feel my best and last the whole weekend. That being said, I’m planning on lots of self-care in the form of nutrition and hydration so that I don’t miss out on any of the aforementioned FUN. I thought I might share it with y’all in case your game plan was to survive the whole weekend feeling like 100% and having had all the fun, too!
First and foremost, let’s talk HYDRATION. Summer temps + dehydration (reference back to the part about adult bevs) = you feeling like a shriveled, angry little camper with a massive headache. This is less than ideal when you’re going to be surrounded by loud, boot-stomping music all weekend. So, I repeat. Hydrate. Hydrate. HYDRATE.
Obviously water is your best friend. When you wake up, after every alcohol drink (if you’re partaking), before bed… keep the H2O flowing. And let me offer the suggestion of this little life saver… coconut water. Yes, you can do Gatorade, Pedialyte, etc. But coconut water offers the same benefits in a natural way (i.e., without all the added chemicals, sugar and other crap). Bring as much of it, if not more, than you bring booze. I’m telling you, you’ll thank me.
As for healthy eats that are camp friendly, I’m going to keep it real simple and break it down by meal. There are no open flames allowed at Country Thunder, but charcoal and propane are allowed so you can cook plenty of tasty eats. I’ve tried to include options for my vegans, vegetarians and carnivores. I’m suggesting these meals with some of my favorite nutrition brands/products, but feel free to sub them out with your own fav brands/ingredients!
BREAKFAST
Eggs: Have a couple hardboiled or cook ‘em however you like them on a grill or stove if you have a RV. Scramble them up with some chopped veggies for some additional nutrients! **Time saving tip: hardboil and/or chop veggies before the fest!
Instant Oats or Old-Fashioned Oats with Berries and Nuts
Greek Yogurt Topped with Berries and Granola
Antibiotic Free, Humanely-Raised Bacon
Nut Butter Toast: Your choice, peanut, almond, cashew, etc. on sprouted grain bread topped with chopped banana slices!
LUNCH
Avocado Toast: Use on sprouted grain bread!
Premade Tuna/Chicken Salad: Use Primal Kitchen mayo and diced veggies, like celery and onion!
Premade Fruit Salad
Veggie and/or Turkey Pinwheels : Use Siete Foods tortillas, Primal Kitchen mayo or Kitehill cream cheese, antibiotic free turkey, red onion, spinach, cucumber, and other veggies!
DINNER
Organic Grass-Fed Burger/Vegan Patties: Use sprouted grain buns or in lettuce wraps!
Tin Foil Packets: Organic chicken sausage or shrimp marinated with chopped veggies wrapped in tin foil. **Time saving tip: pre-wrap these in tinfoil with any marinade/spices of your choice and you can just pop them on the grill once in the campgrounds.
Chicken/beef and veggie kabobs (or just veggie for my vegetarian/vegans out there)
Quesadillas: Made with Siete Foods tortillas, Kitehill jalapeno cream cheese, diced onions and red peppers. Yum!
SNACKS
Premade Baked Chickpeas: Made with coconut oil, sea salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or any seasoning of your choice.
Premade Trailmix: Includes pistachios, cashews, dried cranberries, walnuts, almonds, etc.
Apples and Almond Butter: Simple!
Siete Foods Chips and Salsa/Guacamole
Hummus and Raw Veggies
S’mores: No bonfires are allowed, but you can bring a S’more maker like I’m going to. I’m not even going to suggest a healthy sub for this other than dark chocolate. Sometimes ya just need the real thang.
And, if you wake up a little groggy (or hungover) and feel the need to stretch out your bod, come join me at the fest for Beer Yoga at 3pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! We can detox while we retox together. 😊
Have a fun, healthy and safe Country Thunder this year! Hope to see ya there!
Stay Wild,
