Health and wellness is probably the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about Burning Man, the annual art event and temporary community based on radical self expression and self-reliance.
The 50,000+ participants that make-up Black Rock City, are exposed to nature's harshest elements, living for up to a week in the inhospitable Black Rock Desert of Nevada. There are sand storms, huge variations in temperatures and after a few days, this environment easily starts to break down even the most prepared participants.
In the months leading up to the event, most 'burners' prepare by browsing Burning Man blogs, reading the 'Burning Man Survival Kit' and by making multiple trips to their local REI/MEC.
As a Virgin Burner myself, I've noticed that most of the discussion around food is focused on surviving versus thriving, so I reached out to tuja's own Nicole Boileau (a nutritionist and friend) for some advice.
1. Water. It's recommended to drink 2 gallons of water per person, per day. Pro tip: add electrolytes easily using a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon.
2. Snack Foods. Bring easy to pack, on-the-go foods - we recommend Quest Bars, candied salmon and turkey jerky for protein, trail mix with almonds, cashews and dried cranberries for energy, and seaweed snack packs for a whopping amount of weightless vitamins and minerals. Pro tip: upgrade your trail mix by adding cacao nibs and medjool dates for a kick of sweetness, fibre and magnesium.
3. Meal Replacements Shakes. It’ll be easy to skip a meal when you're busy experiencing the sites and sounds, so be sure to have a few of these on hand for when serious hunger strikes. Look for a higher calorie blend of high quality protein, veggies and fibre. Pro tip: reach for the vegan option, if available.
4. Instant Meals. Before you reach for those freeze dried dinners, consider some alternative instant options like easy to make instant quinoa or some delicious pre-made mason jars of homemade "instant oatmeal". The prep work is done ahead of time, and all you need to do is add hot water. Pro tip: add a can of your favourite fruit or veggies.
5. The snack cooler. Because eventually, you're going to have a craving for something fresh and filling. We recommend packing one cooler that's simply dedicated to this sole purpose. Things to include: apples, peppers, lemons, carrots, Mary's crackers, hummus, avocados, coconut oil, and radishes. Pro tip: don't forget some of your favourite cheat foods, cause #yolo.
At the end of the day, this is your personal Burning Man experience, so don't feel the need to be restrictive in any way. Just remember, that eating the right foods will help you stay alert and feel good, which will contribute to making this incredible personal experience the best it can be.
Don't forget to share your snacks (and these tips) with your new friends and burn on my friends, see you on the playa!
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