Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Top Tips For Healthy Festival Food On A Budget

As the summer's festivals begins to wind down, many of us will already be considering how we can make next year's experience even more enjoyable. Often it's the basic provision of hygiene facilities and the cost of tickets that are the main gripe with festival goers, however an increasing number of revellers are starting to turn their attention to the food as well. Currently it can be difficult to purchase natural and affordable cuisine on the go with burgers and chips being the traditional staple of festival goers. Opt to plan and pack ahead and you can enjoy a healthy alternative whilst watching your favourite bands.

Given that the festival atmosphere is very much a 24/7 party it's important to stay hydrated at all times. Indulging in copious amounts of alcohol is not only dangerous but can also cause serious dehydration and fatigue. While festival organisers are legally obliged to provide fresh drinking water, water points can often become plagued by lengthy queues as well as being difficult to find amongst the crowds at night. While fizzy soft drinks provide a temporary energy boost, it's important to take plenty of bottled water that will last you the weekend and provides natural rehydration throughout the day.
The main problem revellers can experience when taking food to festivals is the issue of suitable storage. Tent living doesn't provide many opportunities for keeping perishable goods cool while many camp sites also prohibit the use of BBQ which makes cooking hot meals a challenge. Ingenious storage methods such as Thermos flasks and ice packed cool bags grant revellers a bit more culinary freedom; at least for the first day or so. Thankfully, items like apples, oranges and soya yoghurt don't need a chiller to keep them fresh and can help you keep your recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals topped up; especially important when air borne colds and other illnesses are easily transmitted amongst large numbers of people.
Feeling a bit peckish throughout the day but don't want to spend a fortune on a greasy bag of chips or give up your hard fought place at the front of the crowd? Keeping energy levels up is vital when walking long distances and dancing your heart out for 12 hours solid. Taking a backpack into the main arena allows you to take in snacks like cereal bars that release energy slowly and are conveniently filling. Oat biscuits in particular offer a natural alternative to crisps or chocolate given they satisfy the sweet tooth whilst providing a healthy energy boost at the same time.
Are you going to a festival this summer? Plan your weekend menu in advance to prevent the exhaustion of both yourself and your bank balance!