Transitioning to a full-time RV lifestyle is a dream for many who yearn for freedom, adventure, and a connection with nature. However, living on the road presents unique challenges, particularly for those committed to a vegan lifestyle. From finding plant-based food options in remote areas to storing fresh produce in a small space, vegans need to be both creative and resourceful. This article explores how to maintain a vegan lifestyle while enjoying the full-time RV lifestyle, providing tips, advice, and practical solutions for those ready to embrace life on the road.
Understanding Veganism and the RV Lifestyle
Before diving into how to combine veganism with RV living, it's important to understand the core principles of both lifestyles. Veganism is a way of living that excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, whether it be for food, clothing, or other purposes. A plant-based diet consists entirely of plant-based foods, avoiding meat, dairy, eggs, honey and other animal-derived products. On the other hand, a full-time RV lifestyle involves living in a recreational vehicle, often travelling from one place to another without a permanent home base. This lifestyle offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore new places, but it also comes with certain constraints, such as limited space, storage, and cooking facilities. For those considering this lifestyle, looking into used motorhomes for sale can be a practical option, providing the needed mobility while also being budget-friendly.
The Challenges of Combining Veganism with a Full-Time RV Lifestyle
Combining veganism with a full-time RV lifestyle can be challenging due to several factors:
- Limited storage space: RVs often have limited pantry and refrigerator space, making it difficult to store fresh produce, plant-based staples, and bulk items that are essential for us vegans. Luckily, vegans don't have to worry as much as non-vegans because storing flesh and fluids, tend to go off quicker than animal-friendly foods.
- Access to fresh produce: Depending on your travel route, you might find yourself in areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Rural or remote locations may not have grocery stores with a wide variety of plant-based foods.
- Cooking constraints: Cooking in an RV typically means dealing with a smaller kitchen, limited appliances, and sometimes a lack of electricity or water hookups. Preparing complex vegan meals can be more challenging in this environment.
- Eating out: Finding vegan-friendly restaurants on the road can be difficult, especially in regions where plant-based diets are less common.
- Social aspects: Travelling often means meeting new people and sharing meals. Explaining your vegan lifestyle and finding common ground can sometimes be a delicate task. Personally, I don't like to dine with people who don't get it, but I know not all vegans feel like this.
How to Combine Veganism with a Full-Time RV Lifestyle
Despite the challenges, it is entirely possible to maintain a vegan lifestyle while living full-time in an RV. Here are some tips and advice for making it work:
#1. Plan Your Meals and Shopping Routes!
Planning is crucial when you're on the road. Research grocery stores and farmers' markets along your route before you start your journey. Apps like Abillion and HappyCow can help you locate vegan-friendly restaurants and stores in unfamiliar areas. Plan your meals around what is available, and prioritise dishes that use non-perishable ingredients like grains, beans, and dried fruits.
#2. Stock Up on Vegan Staples!
Since storage space is limited, focus on stocking up on vegan staples that have a long shelf life and can be used in multiple dishes. Some essential items include:
- Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta are versatile, can be stored in small spaces and you don't have to worry about them breaking.
- Legumes: Dried or canned beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein and fibre.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds add nutrients to meals and are easy to store.
- Plant-based milk: almond, soy, pea, cashew, coconut and / or oat milk can be used for cooking and drinking.
- Canned vegetables and dried fruits: These are convenient when fresh produce is not available.
- Spices and condiments: A variety of spices, herbs, and condiments like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and tahini can enhance your meals without taking up much space. They also keep well outside of the fridge!
#3. Optimise Your RV Kitchen!
Make the most of your RV kitchen by investing in multi-purpose kitchen tools and appliances. For example, a compact blender can be used for smoothies, soups, and sauces. A small electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot can cook grains, beans, and stews quickly and efficiently. Stackable cookware and collapsible containers can help save space.
#4. Protect Your RV and Essentials!
For full-time RVers, protecting key parts like the spare tire is crucial. Trendy spare tire covers shield it from sun, rain, and other elements, preventing wear and tear that could leave you without a backup. Safeguarding your RV essentials ensures a smoother, safer journey on the road.
#5. Get Creative with Cooking!
Cooking in a small RV kitchen requires creativity and simplicity. Focus on one-pot meals, which minimise clean-up and make the most of your limited kitchen space. Stir-fries, soups, stews, and pasta dishes are easy to prepare and can be customised with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
When fresh produce is scarce, consider using frozen or canned vegetables. For example, a simple chickpea and aubergine curry can be made using canned chickpeas and an aubergine (pack dried just in case). Add spices and coconut milk for a flavourful, satisfying meal.
#6. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables!
If you have a green thumb, consider growing your own herbs and small vegetables while on the road. Many RVers have successfully grown small herb gardens in their vehicles. You can use pots or hanging planters to grow herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander, which add fresh flavour to your meals. Some vegan RVers even grow small vegetables like tomatoes and peppers using compact hydroponic systems.
#7. Learn to Cook with Local Ingredients!
One of the joys of RV living is exploring new places and cultures. Take advantage of local markets and produce to incorporate regional ingredients into your vegan meals. Not only will this keep your diet interesting, but it will also help you connect with the places you visit. For example, if you find yourself in the Southwest of the USA, you can make use of local ingredients like avocados, beans, and chilli peppers to create delicious vegan tacos or burritos. In the Pacific Northwest, wild mushrooms, berries, and kale might inspire your meals.
#8. Connect with Other Vegan RVers!
Connecting with other vegans who live the RV lifestyle can provide support, inspiration, and practical advice. Online communities, forums, and social media groups are great places to share tips, recipes, and experiences. You might even meet up with fellow vegan RVers on the road, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.
#9. Navigating Eating Out and Social Situations
When eating out, research vegan-friendly restaurants ahead of time or call ahead to see if the restaurant can accommodate your diet. In social situations, communicate your dietary preferences respectfully and offer to bring a vegan dish to share. This can introduce others to delicious plant-based options and make mealtimes more inclusive.
#10. Maintaining Health and Well-Being on the Road
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is vital for your overall well-being, especially when you're on the road. Here are some additional tips to ensure you stay healthy:
- Stay hydrated: Always have a supply of clean drinking water. Consider investing in a portable water filter or purifier if you're unsure about water quality.
- Exercise regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Whether it's a hike, a bike ride, or a yoga session, staying active will help you maintain your energy and health.
- Monitor your nutrient intake: Ensure you're getting enough essential nutrients such as B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. You might need to take supplements, especially if certain foods are hard to find on the road.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to your diet and lifestyle. Make adjustments as needed to ensure you're feeling your best.
Wrap Up: Combining Veganism with an RV Lifestyle
Combining veganism with a full-time RV lifestyle is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. With careful planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can maintain a healthy, plant-based diet while enjoying the freedom and adventure that RV living offers. Embrace the challenges as opportunities to explore new foods, connect with like-minded individuals, and deepen your commitment to a compassionate and sustainable way of life.
