🥑 Gut-friendly meals on the road – this is how I eat in the van
- johannaschneiderhe
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
A personal insight from Johanna Schneider – Holistic Health Coach
Living in a van doesn't mean you have to sacrifice gut health ! 🚐✨ With PMDD, HPU, and a sensitive digestive system, I've learned that simple, nourishing meals make a big difference – even when the kitchen is small and supplies are limited.
Here are three meals I always fall back on when I'm traveling to keep my gut happy and my body energized :
1️⃣ Creamy Red Lentil Stew 🍲
Red lentils cook quickly, provide plenty of protein and fiber, and are easily digestible. I add seasonal vegetables, a pinch of turmeric, and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. One pot, minimal washing up – perfect for van life.
2️⃣ Chickpea and arugula salad + fermented dressing 🥗
Light, fresh, and easy on the digestion. I blend chickpeas, orange, fresh arugula, cucumber, and bell pepper with a fermented dressing (such as kefir or sauerkraut juice) for probiotic support. Quick, nutritious, and full of flavor.
3️⃣ Vegan soy goulash with broccoli & rice 🍛🥦
Comfort food on the road! Soy protein, broccoli, and parboiled rice come together with bell pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs.
You’ll often find these ingredients on hikes too 🙂
Parboiled rice is ideal for vanlife: it cooks quickly, stays fluffy, and is more nutrient-rich than regular white rice. This is due to its special production process: the rice grains are steamed while the husk is still intact, so vitamins and minerals from the husk are “pressed” into the rice. Many nutrients that are lost in regular white rice are preserved this way.
For life on the road, this means a practical, fast-cooking, filling, and easy-to-digest rice that also provides an important source of energy and minerals.
💛 Small Kitchen, Big Impact
Even with limited space and simple ingredients, I can support my gut health and PMDD-friendly nutrition every day. Legumes are a real helper: they provide high protein, are rich in fiber, keep you full, and can be stored for a long time without refrigeration – perfect for vanlife. The key: plan ahead, choose easy-to-digest foods, and make meals simple, colorful, and nourishing.
If you'd like to strengthen your gut and bring more balance into your everyday life, book your free initial consultation now .
I will guide you step by step with simple, practical strategies – perfect for when you're on the road/travel or have a stressful life.
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