3 days by train-how to stay on track?

[Jack Straw]

I'll be travelling this summer coast to coast on Amtrack - 3 days each way. The allowed carry on is very minimal. How can I stay raw?? Any ideas?

Thanks

[JRSummer]

Oh, that's a tough one! If it were me, i'd bring lots of dried fruits and nuts, and some Larabars. Vegetables will be even more difficult, but maybe you could get Green Vibrance or something similar---greens in a portable powder form.

I'm sure you'll figure out a way, even if you can't stay 100% raw...

Good luck!

[Davylp25]

Get Dehydrated foods, depending on your stores available. Flax Crackers, Raweos, foods that don't need to be refrigerated Or make your own. Buy green powders you can use with the bottle watered provided by the trains to get enough greens.

[tvillemom]

I would do some baggies of granola or other dehydrated mixed fruits and nuts, and DEFINITELY get some green powder. You could probably LIVE on a green powder! Drink plenty of water, which I'm sure they will provide.
Wendi

[beanmonkee]

They will give you warm water if you ask for it (when I took amtrak pre-raw, I took some instant oatmeal cups with me), so you can always make dehydrated soup mixes. I know I read a recipe for some in a book, but now I can't remember which one (a lot of help, I know!).

The amtrak site doesn't say coolers are restricted. Since they allow two pieces of carry-on luggage, couldn't one be a cooler for any food that needs to be refrigerated? Otherwise, one could be just a big grocery bag. In that grocery bag, you can pack all sorts of fresh fruits that don't need refrigeration. Apples, oranges, bananas, anything that doesn't need a lot of prep time. You can also bring a couple avacados of varying ripeness, so that you'll have one ready to eat each day. If you can't take a small kitchen knife on the train, again, you can ask in the snack car or in the kitchen area if they wouldn't mind cutting your avo in half for you.

I think you'll be able to do it, no problem. Just plan ahead, and don't gorge yourself on all your food your first day on the train. You could even take a whole jar of almond butter, and some celery (should you go the cooler route), and be set for a long time!

[Cinnamon]

You are getting some great ideas! I've made the same trip between Seattle and Boston several times but it was years ago and I wasn't eating the way I do now. So your train options are limited but I do recall they had a fresh fruit plate (served as dessert) on part of the trip.

So bring your own food is the best, fruit, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, Lara Bars, anything you can dehydrate, and drink lots of water on board.

Have a great trip, I sure did!

[DavidZaneMason]

The above suggestions are great. It IS only a few days. Plan on one of your carry-ons being full of foods you know will keep (as suggested). Now will also be a good time to plan on a 1 or 2 day conscious fast.......with little else to do but rest....relax...and be aware of your body.

-Just a suggestion.

-David Z. Mason

[Naiad]

Freshtopia did an episode about a long train trip. Maybe check their site out or even email them? :)

[Zaphirah]

ask if 1 of your carry ons can be a cooler and bring fruit and alot of green smoothie. If they give you a hard time tell them that you are on a special therapeutic diet for medical/health reasons and you must have access to your special dietary foods.

I have 2 dc with gluten/dairy intolerance and every place that restricts bringing in your own food has been 100% cooperative re: them bringing outside food. I've never had to get a drs note or anything, i just explain that they are allergic to any and everything that the store/company provides so i will have to bring something else. period.

[jacsam]

Find out what they offer on the train and then you can bring what you won't have available.

[Eva]

ask if 1 of your carry ons can be a cooler and bring fruit and alot of green smoothie. If they give you a hard time tell them that you are on a special therapeutic diet for medical/health reasons and you must have access to your special dietary foods.

I have 2 dc with gluten/dairy intolerance and every place that restricts bringing in your own food has been 100% cooperative re: them bringing outside food. I've never had to get a drs note or anything, i just explain that they are allergic to any and everything that the store/company provides so i will have to bring something else. period.

This is helpful information (heck, it all is!) for many situations!... I mean, aren't we ALL "allergic" to these things?? Once you go raw, you feel the ickiness/reaction from dairy and whathaveyou that much more. ;) :)

[Eva]

Food
Bring your food aboard
You may bring your own food and beverages onboard. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

Planning for contingencies
Unfortunately, trains are sometimes delayed and food supplies may become limited. If you have special dietary requirements, or a condition such as diabetes, we suggest that you carry sufficient food with you to meet your needs in the event of a delay or other contigency.

Ice
With advanced notice, we can supply ice for your cooler to keep medication cool.

Carry on baggage
Two-Piece Limit: Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as briefcases, purses, laptops, and infant paraphernalia such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats.

50-Pound Limit: Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs.
Size Limit: Each carry-on bag may not exceed 28x22x14 inches in size.
Visible Tag Required: Each carry-on bag must be visibly tagged with the name and address of the passenger. Passengers may use their own personal identification tags, or may obtain Amtrak baggage identification tags at station ticket offices, or onboard trains from a member of the train crew.

[Eva]

I was disappointed to find out that animals can't go though. Bummer.

Are you in the US and going via Amtrak?? That's the impression I got, but if not -- well, maybe none of this applies!

[carolg]

www.rawhike.com

I was involved with the above hike. Recipes posted. Not all dehydrated either. You'll get tons of ideas.

carolg