So you’re like me and you’re a health freak and you’re planning to embark on The World Race. You probably have some of the same questions I did before leaving. “Can I still eat healthy on the Race? How about organic? Will I get my proper serving of fruits, veggies, and grains that I’m used to? Will I gain weight? Will I lose weight? Can I still workout? What if I have a food allergy?” Personally, I’m a vegetarian and wondered if THAT would still be possible.
Well, I’m here to answer all of your questions. And I do want to note that these are answers primarily based on my own experiences so far. Also at the end, please let me know if you have any further questions I can answer!
Can I still eat as healthy on the Race as I do at home?
In short, I’m sorry, but no.
On The World Race you live on a very tight food budget (at MOST $5/day). Because of that, you no longer have the luxury of buying an abundant variety of fresh fruits and veggies. In addition, depending on where you’re living in the world, you may ONLY have access to a couple things (apple/bananas/cuties/cabbage). Unless you plan on spending a lot of your own personal money (a lot as in, over time) on these things, plan on not eating as many fruits/veggies/grains as you’re used to. And with that said- BRING MULTI-VITAMINS!!!!!! You will eat strange foods you’re not used to, some more than others. And it’s very important that you strive to stay as healthy as possible. So bring those multi-vits, pro-biotics, anti-biotics, etc.
*Make sure you bring enough for the whole 11 months! I know it may seem tedious to and a waste of space in your bag, but trust me it’ll save you lots of money in the long run. Also bring Vitamin C for when you may get a cold or something else!
I’m really into eating organic. Are organic foods available?
I haven’t always been huge into eating organic. And again, all these answers will vary depending on where you live. But for the most part I definitely haven’t noticed as large a variety of organic foods as you would in America. If anything, the fruits may be better because they’re locally grown (such as bananas and coconut in SE Asia). I have NEVER tasted bananas as good as the ones in Asia. They’re seriously like candy. Also, fresh ones like at a market (and even in the grocery stores) don’t use pesticides. So check your apples VERY carefully for worms and don’t forget your peeler!!! (I didn’t bring a peeler, despite everyone’s advice. I ended up getting one my second week on the Race. For those of you who want to eat fresh fruits and veggies and don’t want to get sick- get a peeler!)
Will I get my proper servings of various foods according to the Food Guide Pyramid?!
Nope. Again, unless you’re willing to pay extra (and I can’t stress this enough, a little money here or there for extra food REALLY adds up over time), plan on not eating enough (if at all) whole grains, whole wheat bread, dairy products, and enough fruits and veggies. You’ll eat what you can, when you can. I’ve gone days or even a week without fruit before (which is really tragic for me) and I’ve had to fight to get veggies in my meals. I’ve lived in Asia for 4 months and I’m telling you that dairy is not easily accessible. It’s overpriced and you will never find food with cheese or milk in it. Ahhh, I’ve missed milk and cereal so much!
I’m worried about gaining/losing weight.
Let me tell you, I’ve been on the Race for almost 5 months and I’ve both lost and gained weight. If you’re a picky eater you’ll most likely lose weight because you won’t like what you’re eating, hence not eat; hence lose weight (mix in a 90 degree climate and some manual labor ministry and you’ll be good). But many people also gain weight and I will tell you why:
You will eat more carbs and crap on the Race than you ever have. Trust me on this one, it’s the honest truth.
I’m an extremely healthy eater back home and rarely indulge in even desserts. But when your finance person simply pays your contact your allotted food budget and they make the meals for you, you don’t have much say. You and your whole team may be eating the same rice, veg, sometimes meat (for you carnivores out there) and egg for every meal. One of the “favorite” meals our contact has made us has been white rice, plan noodles, and mashed potatoes. We like to call it the “Would you like carbs with your carbs?” meal. When your contact does make you all the same food it will be in mass quantities (Unlimited amount of rice. Huge bowl of veggies aka cabbage, onions, and maybe some carrots). So I highly suggest you practice self-control and portion control. Don’t think because it’s there you have to eat it. You’re not going to starve to death on the Race. You will always have food and water so don’t freak out thinking you’re about to become malnourished due to lack of food. This is where I went wrong in the beginning. But I’ve learned my lesson.
Another funny point: I have never seen so many people obsessed with Oreos and soda than Racers. Don’t ask me why. But I’m pretty sure it’s a comfort thing. You will be eating lots of food you’re not used to, don’t like, or have been eating for too many weeks in a row. Therefore, you will resort to anything that will comfort the soul or remind you of America. Cue- Oreos, soda, and other random junk food.
All you have to drink is water from your gigantic Nalgene (team budget will always pay for water but not much else) and after a while it may get old. I personally don’t like chocolate or soda so I have that going for me. But before the Race I never ate chips or Pringles. And now for some reason they’re the best thing on the plant. But I’ve been witness to my other team and squad mates just stocking up on the Oreos when they’re available and always paying extra for a soda.
Is it easy to work out on the Race?
Yes! And this is something that I highly suggest you start, if not continue, while on your journey. I’ve already stressed what the food situation is like. Don’t let your body go completely lethargic for the next year. It’s really important that you fight to stay healthy. And I’m not just talking about losing weight (although that does take place after you start practicing portion control and working out! 😉 ). Your body will go through so much: intense climate changes, different foods, manual labor, carrying that 50lb backpack, waking up and going to sleep at differing times. You have to take care of your body as much as possible!
End rant. Moving on.
You move all the time, live in strange places, don’t have much personal space, and your ministry schedule may be all over the place. But fight for that time at least a few times a week to go for a run, do a workout video, workout app, Zumba, or whatever! And this will change from month to month as well.
Personally, last month a couple girls and I woke up at 5:15am everyday to do either Insanity, Nike workout app, or run. This month, I wake up at 7:30am and do Insanity every day. You may think THAT’S CRAZY EARLY AND CRAZY HARD!!! Yes, but you do whatcha gotta do. When you live in a climate of 90 degrees and 100% humidity, 5:30am is the ONLY sane time to workout. And I’ve actually kind of grown to enjoy Insanity. I’m a runner. But sometimes there’s no place or it’s not safe for you to run (unfortunately). So workouts inside it is!
*Suggestions that you can do to stay fit on the race: Bring a jump rope or resistant band (easy and light to pack), Zumba, Insanity, P90X, Nike Trainer app, Julian, running stairs (if available), It’s also good to have a workout buddy, someone to help keep you accountable and as well just for support. Working out with someone is far less tedious than working out by yourself so find someone on your team who wants to stay fit and work out with him or her! Plus it’s a good way to show love and encouragement to your teammate too 🙂
Can I still be a vegetarian/vegan?
Yes! This is another thing you really have to fight for and be careful about. So far, it hasn’t been too big of an issue for me. My team is really good about making sure whenever we go out to eat that there’s something I can order and when our contact makes us food, they’re aware to not put meat in my food. It can be a hassle sometimes, but I make it work.
In America, I was pretty strict. But with this new lifestyle I’ve had to learn to be flexible. Sometimes we will have food that has big pieces of meat in it. Normally I wouldn’t touch it. But if it’s all I have, I’ve learned to just pick the meat out and ignore the fact that there still may be hidden pieces of animal flesh going into my stomach. I try not to think about it or let it bother me too much. Really, you’re not going to die.
If you’re vegan, you may have a little more trouble, esp. getting your protein. But that’s just where personal money will have to come in. For me, I eat a lot of peanut butter and eggs (eggs in meals are a lot more common in Asia than meat). For you vegans, you don’t have to worry so much about dairy in Asia or Africa.
A little tip to pass on to you veggies out there. I’ve learned how to say “no meat” or “tofu” in almost every language and that’s helped a lot. Remember, you’ve also got a language barrier working against you that can be SUPER difficult. You walk into a restaurant and the menu is not in English and the waiter can just barely say hello and thank you. Learn some words that will help you out.
I have a food allergy! How will I be able to find things to eat?
Understandable. I personally don’t, but some of my squad mates do (peanuts, lactose, gluten). This is where personal money and that pocket translator (aka app) come in, once again. Saying, “PEANUTS? PEANUTS. IN. THIS. DOES THIS HAVE PEANUTS IN IT?” over and over in English will not make the native person understand you any better. Please be humble and learn how to say these things in their language so it doesn’t become a frustration on either end. Some people have had allergic reactions due to miscommunication. But just come prepared with anti-meds in case a reaction does come on.
Things I miss about healthy living in America-
SALAD SALAD SALAD. Did I mention salad?
Hummus
Baby carrots/bell peppers
Apples I don’t have to peel or worry about worms being in
Whole wheat everything
Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk
Having a new, clean workout outfit every day
Berries. Just… any berries.
Hope this helps! Happy Healthy Living : )
