Nourished on the Road: Traveling Plant Powered
Episode 8 of the Plant Powered Collective Podcast
🎧 Now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Travel nourishes more than your sense of adventure — it nourishes your perspective.
In this special episode of the Plant Powered Collective Podcast, I’m joined by my daughter, Caitrin, as we share stories from our recent trip through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. This wasn’t just a getaway; it was a reminder that we can stay true to our plant-powered habits while fully embracing family, culture, and the joy of discovery.
We approached travel with curiosity and flexibility rather than restriction. From Portland’s famous Holy Donuts to fresh lentil soup from my sister-in-law’s garden, each meal reminded us that health isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.
💚 Traveling with Intention
Before we even packed our bags, we decided this trip wasn’t going to be about sticking to rules or routines. It was about alignment—staying grounded in what makes us feel energized and connected.
Our approach was simple:
✨ Be curious about new foods and cultures.
✨ Stay flexible with meals and timing.
✨ Balance enjoyment with intention.
We packed what we call a “travel wellness kit”… cashews, apples, herbal teas, and spring water, and that small act of preparation set the tone for everything that followed. It’s amazing how a few mindful choices can keep you feeling nourished and vibrant on the go.
🥗 The Plant Powered Travel Checklist
Travel well, eat well, and feel well—wherever you go.
Whether you’re road-tripping or flying across the country, this Plant Powered Travel Checklist will help you stay energized and balanced on the road.
🧳 Before You Go
Set your intention: what does travel well mean for you?
Choose curiosity over perfection.
Pack smart snacks: nuts, apples, dried fruit, and herbal teas.
Bring your own water bottle and favorite tea bags.
Prioritize sleep and hydration before you even leave home.
🚗 On the Road
Think fuel, not diet. Choose color and freshness whenever you can.
Walk whenever possible; movement is medicine.
Stay hydrated and rest when your body asks for it.
Remember, a little flexibility goes a long way.
💚 Visiting Family & Friends
Offer to cook a meal (our go-to is Auntie Esther’s lentil soup!).
Share your lifestyle through flavor and joy, not pressure.
Keep it simple: avocado toast, roasted veggies, grain bowls.
🌍 At Your Destination
Seek out local, seasonal ingredients.
Try something new—like Maine’s famous kelp burger.
Balance indulgence with intention: enjoy, move, hydrate, repeat.
You can download the full checklist on the blog here:
👉 Plant Powered Travel Tips & Takeaways
🍽️ Balancing What’s On the Plate and Around It
True nourishment comes not only from what’s on your plate but also what’s around it.
The six pillars of lifestyle medicine (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress resilience, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances) don’t take a vacation when you do. In fact, they make travel more enjoyable and restorative.
When we paid attention to both the food we ate and the experiences surrounding it, we felt grounded, even in motion.
Here are some of our favorite foods that kept us fueled, energized, and connected along the way:
✨ Indian Dahl
Protein- and fiber-rich lentils with warming spices like turmeric and cumin.
➡️ Supports gut health and offers steady energy for travel days.
✨ Vegetable Vindaloo
A vibrant, spicy curry made with potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes.
➡️ Awakens circulation and supports natural detoxification.
✨ Pasta with Pomodoro Sauce
Simple, satisfying, and rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and olive oil.
➡️ Perfect balance of comfort and clean energy.
✨ Apples, Bananas, Nuts & Seeds
Portable, nourishing staples that keep energy stable between meals.
➡️ Travel-friendly sources of healthy fats, minerals, and natural sweetness.
✨ Good Quality Spring Water
Hydration is the foundation of health.
➡️ Keeps your body balanced, focused, and ready for new experiences.
🌿 Presence Over Perfection
At the heart of this trip and this episode was connection.
Time with my daughter, meals shared with family, and long walks exploring new places all reminded me that food is only one piece of the wellness puzzle.
Travel nourishes your body when you choose whole, vibrant foods,
but it nourishes your soul when you share those meals with people you love.
“When we nourish ourselves wherever we are, we create memories that feel good in the moment and long after.”
~ Lori Willinski, Plant Powered Collective
✈️ Ready to Travel Plant Powered?
Listen to Episode 8: Nourished on the Road – Traveling Plant Powered now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Download your free handouts:
🌱 Plant Powered Travel Tips & Takeaways
🥗 Balancing What’s On and Around the Plate While Traveling
And if this episode inspired you, share your favorite travel food tips or moments on Instagram and tag @ThePlantPoweredCollective. I’d love to see how you’re nourishing boldly and living vibrantly on the road.
