Summer’s here and festival season is upon us, bringing great weekends of watching amazing live music, having a laugh with friends and getting covered in mud. However, despite the vast increase in healthier food options available at festivals recently, it’s easy to give into temptation and eat greasy, stodgy foods that are high in sugar or salt but low in nutrients.
Read on for our guide to festival-friendly food and drink that will keep you hydrated and give you the energy you need to keep partying from dawn ‘til dusk.
Plan your festival foods that you’ll take along
If you’re heading to a festival, find out if you’re allowed to bring food items from outside onto the campsite grounds. Not only will you save money, but having loads of your favourite food on hand means you’re less likely to visit dodgy food stalls. Head to a supermarket a few days before you go, and make sure you not only buy food, but also pick up storage containers and an insulated bag or box to keep your food fresh in the heat.
Be smart and pack your food properly
Most summer festivals mean you’ll be camping outdoors for a few days, which means you should make sure your food is stored carefully to keep it fresh. Take a cool bag or a cool box for things like fresh fruit and vegetables, juice and water and avoid glass containers which can break easily. Instead, go for airtight plastic tubs or re-sealable bags, and don’t forget to check with festival organisers if glass bottles or cans are allowed on site before packing your bags.
Make healthier choices
Festivals aren’t all bad when it comes to food. If you do decide to visit the food sellers, nowadays there are lots of healthier options on offer. Give the junk food a miss and look out for salads, jacket potatoes and high protein foods like eggs, fish or beans which help you feel fuller for longer.
Stay hydrated all weekend
Drinking enough water every day is essential. Not only does it help to keep you cool in the heat, but it also gives you the energy to keep going. And this is especially important at festivals on warmer days, where you can overheat and dehydrate when you’re on your feet for hours at a time. Aim to drink at least 1.2 litres of water each day, plus a bit more if you’re drinking alcohol too.
If you find water a little boring, you should liven up it up with a slice of lemon for a tangy citrus flavour, or keep your hydration levels up with coconut water or your favourite fruit juice.
Try freezing plastic water bottles and storing them in your cool box or bag. They make a great alternative to water and will keep the rest of your items fresher for longer.
Read more about festival health issues, including dehydration and more.
Ideas to help you stay on track
If you’re determined to stick to healthy eating habits throughout the weekend, here are some tasty ideas to help you stay on track:
- Fruits like bananas, apples and oranges are easy to transport, while they are packed with vitamins and will also help to keep you hydrated.
- Packets of dried fruit, seeds and nuts such as unsalted almonds, dates, goji berries and pumpkin seeds keep fresh for ages. Unaffected by high temperatures, they are full of filling fibre that provides slow-releasing energy which is important when you’ve got a jam-packed day full of your favourite bands or DJs that you want to watch.
- Easily chucked into a bag, energy bars do exactly what they say on the tin. They are perfect for eating on the go and provide nutrients like protein and complex carbohydrates in a handy snack.
If you prefer to eat healthily, there’s no reason to abandon your usual eating habits and give into to the less-healthy food stalls. Instead, take your pick from our delicious range of food and drink packed with nourishing, filling options, so you don’t have to resort to eating burgers for breakfast!
