For the most part, Matt, Stacy and the boys have eaten wraps while in the car
They have kept romaine lettuce, lunch meat, high-quality cheese, squeeze bottle mayo, and mustard
They have also kept trail mixes in stock in the car, but they lean towards the wraps and baby carrots so that people can get in healthy food while on the road
Matt and Stacy set up the minivan with the middle seat missing and this is where the cooler and the snack bin lives
The snack bin lid serves as the tabletop so that Cole can make people wraps
Know your limitations
While you are reducing stress in your life without the typical daily stressors (work, house chores, etc.) you are increasing your stress factors in other ways
Less than ideal sleep
Sitting down for extended periods of time
Tracking the mileage logistics
So don't add the stress of eating foods that you know are going to cause irritation
Stacy has been very careful to not do the things that she know will irritate her
She has avoided nightshades, corn, and low-quality dairy
This has made a huge difference and has allowed Stacy to feel great
(23:21) The Other Things
Everyone is starting to feel a bit homesick, but still appreciating the journey as they reach the halfway mark
Santa Monica will be a great break for everyone
Stacy is separating from the group for a work event
Matt and the boys are going to use this bit of time to relax
The other piece Stacy wants to mention about planning and being organized - clear bins
For short trips, Matt and Stacy typically use storage items they have around the house like paper bags or grocery tote bags
However, for this particular trip, they invested in clear stacking bins that allows them to see what is in which bin
They simply open the trunk and can see where everything is at
Before they left they measured out the space to see how the bins could fit and how many they could fit
Matt and Stacy also purchased a Turtle Topperwhich has been a great investment that has helped with their travels
The Turtle Toppercame with matching duffel bags that fit perfectly inside the storage container
It is also very compact and hasn't impacted their ability to fit in garages
When it came to packing, this trip really forced the family to practice a minimalism mentality
Even when out exploring, when the boys want to buy something, Stacy challenges them to think about where the item would fit
They packed for all weather types
Each family also packed two pairs of walking shoes and one pair of sandals
Since you can't get mail, you really need to plan ahead for what all you will need
You could potentially use an Amazon locker if you were to time your travels exactly right
Other clothing items:
Raincoats
Hoodies
Hats
Sunglasses
A first aid kitwas also an incredibly important addition to their packing list
The snafu that happened with Finn that made Stacy feel like a supermom for packing the ultimate first aid kit
Being able to think on your toes, research and adapt are all important pieces that you will need while on the road
Matt and Stacy also packed some key supplements (anti-gluten pill, activated charcoal, and probiotics)
Stacy asked Sarah to share more on the gluten enzymes she recommends and why
There are a few different varieties out there
The one Sarah keeps in her purse is Glutenza made my Numedica
It's not designed so that someone with celiac disease can eat a baguette, but it's designed to protect you against cross-contamination
It is also really good at breaking apart similar proteins in other high allergen foods
It is a sophisticated supplement and Sarah keeps a bottle of this in her purse at all times
It has been a lifesaver for her
Matt and Stacy have been happy to have this supplement on hand while traveling as well
Whenever they are in a home with a kitchen, the first thing Matt, Stacy and the boys do is meal plan for the exact amount of time they will be with a kitchen and stock up on food supplies
They may pick one special place to eat out at but are otherwise trying to avoid eating out
Be sure to do your gluten-free research
Read reviews
Stacy looks for details that show that they understand what it means to prepare gluten-free recipes
(50:28) Closing Thoughts
Matt and Stacy need to pack up and get ready to leave Las Vegas
They are heading to Joshua Tree National Park next
One of the things that Sarah wanted to mention is that many of the products that Matt and Stacy mentioned are actually sponsors of the show and offer exclusive deals to Paleo View listeners