A few years ago when I started working out more seriously (more than a run for the bus type thing), I started looking at what I ate and how it affected me. I was vegetarian and vegan on and off for a few years and can now say I am fully plant-based. Yes, it’s the buzzword of the moment, but if that means there will be wider access to plant-based foods around the world, then I’ll take it!
Don’t get me wrong, there was a time when I would have two steaks a week at home and my favourite thing to do on tour was finding the best steak restaurant and order a fillet with an expensive glass of red wine (I thank the Raveonettes for introducing me to the finer side of wining and dining.. oh I miss those days!) I digress. These days it’s coffee and avocado toast. No animals were harmed and it fuels me after my workouts.
I find the hardest thing on tour is eating well. There will no doubt be pizza after the show on the bus. There will be wine flowing. There will be late nights. Trying to abstain from these indulgences is one of the hardest things for me. You want to be social, but if you stay up, you want to eat that pizza! I can tell myself I’m not doing my body any favours by eating it but the devil on the shoulder shouts louder. I think this is where moderation comes into play and setting yourself up for success by taking yourself out of the situation where you might succumb. If you’re serious about eating well and performing at your absolute best (clean foods, very limited alcohol, and good sleep) then you need to prioritise these things and send yourself off to bed after maybe making a nighttime tea, or having a bowl of oatmeal or a banana and nut butter. Doesn’t sound as exciting as a pepperoni pizza does it? Trust me, I know. but I also know how much better I feel when I don’t eat processed, salty food. It really all comes down to how you want to treat your body. You only have one, you need to look after it.
If you’re in your twenties, I’m not going to tell you to not go and party, but I can’t even imagine where I would be if I was living like I am now back when I was 23!
Give some healthy eating a go, you might like it and you might be surprised how good you feel!
Here is a good list of healthy foods to add to the bus stock list that will get you through breakfast, lunch, or nighttime snacks:
- Nut butter (almond preferably over peanut butter)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Bread (Ezekiel bread is a good option, sprouted grains, and no flour)
- Salad mix
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Avocados
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Organic rolled oats
- Peppermint tea