Shelf-Stable Bento Challenge

[neadods]

As I make a list of the things I need for ChicagoTARDIS, the question of provisions is a pressing one. At the con I'll be okay, but getting there is a hell of a haul on the train - and if I'm going to be eating chips and sandwiches for two days straight, I want them to be *my* chips and sandwiches

Comments

[neadods]

It only posted the once. I've never tried the protein bars. Better for you than granola bars?

[jennetj]

While we're at it, I'll also recommend Pria bars. They're lower in calorie, taste decent (less heavy tasting than some of the protein bars), and I never go to a workout session without one, otherwise I poop out halfway through. No lie. Lovely quick energy.

[jennetj]

One of my lunch staples is the Bumblebee low fat tuna salad kit, which is pre-made tuna salad and comes with crackers. Long shelf-life until you open the can.

A hard-boiled egg will also survive for a day or two non-refrigerated.

Baby carrots/grape tomatoes are also a lunchtime staple and can be un-refrigerated for a day.

Individually wrapped string cheese can make it just about a day. And the foil-wrapped wedges of Laughing Cow are pretty much eternal.

Don't forget you can carry one of those collapsible coolers with either cold packs, or if you want it to go away, zip-locks full of ice. This will keep things cool for the better part of a day. And when you're done, it gets folded up and stuffed in the front pocket of your suitcase. We bought one for our cross-NC drive last Spring and I've used it frequently since then.

[neadods]

the foil-wrapped wedges of Laughing Cow are pretty much eternal.

Good to know.

The thermos bentos will keep things cold for about 8 hours on their own - longer if I fill the soup container with ice - and they're leakproof. I'm just not entirely sure that it's going to be worth the hauling one of those big things for something that would only be used once going either way.

[hhertzof]

Shelf stable pudding cups. Protein, calcium and chocolate.

Cereal eaten dry or with shelf stable milk (parmalat?).

Any canned vegetables have been cooked and can be eaten cold. Ditto beans. I've eaten Campbell's vegetarian vegetable soup cold (though I prefer it heated).

[neadods]

I used to eat spaghetti and chow mein straight out of the can, but that was when I was in high school and could do things to myself that I can't do anymore. :>

I hadn't thought about the canned veg. Hmmm.

I thought about parmalat, but if I can get a cheese, I'll be okay. I don't have to *live* on them for all four of the days, just use them to supplement the real food, particularly while I'm on the train.

[hhertzof]

Just brainstorming...

From the other comments dried fruit and hard-boiled eggs are both good suggestions (and hard-boiled eggs used to be a staple of long journeys back before McDonalds and portable coolers).

Pickles? American cheese would probably keep, though it might get soft. Cheddar would work if it's kept well wrapped so it doesn't dry out.

You can always take stuff for the first day that's a little more perishable.

[neadods]

hard-boiled eggs used to be a staple of long journeys back before McDonalds and portable coolers

I did not know that. In shells, I assume, so there is the peeling part to consider.

You can always take stuff for the first day that's a little more perishable.

The first day starts at 2pm on Thanksgiving, so I am assuming that I'll have leftovers for dinner on the train. That's why I'm considering the thermos.

[suricattus]

I second the Luna bars recomendation -- they've been life-savers during more than one convention, for me.

For long trips, I like to carry air-dried fruits (apricots, pears, etc) because even if they get squished or overwarmed, they're still edible, and give a much-needed jolt of sugar without swamping me. Also, although not food, I can't recommend Airborne enough, when taking mass transit/staying at hotels. I've been using it for a year now, and *knock wood* haven't picked up concrud since then.

[neadods]

I've found that taking lots of vitamin C is all I need to knock out con crud - one a day on the week leading up/after, and two a day at, and I've stayed relatively healthy.

Dried fruit! Now why didn't I think of anything so obvious... oh, yes, because my favorite dried fruit is apple, which is already represented. Twice. Hmm... never tried dried pear...

[suricattus]

Air-dried pears are yummy, take up very little space, and have the additional benefit of being chewy, so you feel like you've actually eaten something.

And, responding to your comment above, Luna bars are much better for you than granola, yes. Much lower fat and sugar levels, with high amounts of soy protein and fiber.

[melusinehr]

Most hard cheeses can last a few days without going bad, as long as they don't get too warm and are kept in an airtight container once they're opened. If you've got a Costplus World Market nearby, they sell little cheeses meant for gift packages that would work nicely. They may also have little sausages and such, though I find those often have a bit too much salt.

How are you with dried veggies? Whole Foods (and probably other places) sell dried peas and carrots by the bulk food aisle; they're nice veggie snacks, and are just that: dried veggies. Also, if you're really worried about not getting enough veggies, you can always look at baby food. Disgusting, but workable.

[neadods]

I've never tried dried veg.

Did think about baby food. I have no pride, and the serving sizes are right. I just haven't screwed my taste buds to the sticking point. :>

[melusinehr]

Yeah, baby food is on my desperation list, but I haven't done it yet...

Here's the link for the dried veggie brand I was thinking of (I've got a container of the peas right next to me): Just Tomatoes.