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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Photojournalist food on the go!
Christine Hochkeppel, Photographer
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Plymouth | MA | | Posted: 11:52 AM on 10.22.10 |
->> Hi there!
I'm trying to turn over a healthy new leaf and I wanted to poll you all of on how you deal with meals/snacks from assignment to assignment. I know we are all prone to grabbing fast food and takeout because of the crazy hours, but in the interest of saving money and keeping in shape, I'm trying to figure out ways to stay motivated in bringing my own food. What sort of creative lunches and snacks do you all bring? Here's the problems I'm running into, as a foodie with high standards that is increasingly mobile...
1. The soggy sandwich. I like "everything but the kitchen sink" sandwiches and those don't travel well. The simple sandwiches depress me and I usually don't want to eat them by the time I'm hungry...
2. Portability and mobility, needs to fit in my lunch box, has to be fine at room temp or with a little ice pack, shouldn't need to be heated up
3. Variety! Keeping things interesting, not packing the same thing everyday...
4. Healthy alternatives, it's tough to find packable lunch/snack stuff that's not junky...looking for those sorts of options...
So, what works for you? I know this sounds a little crazy but eating good food really affects my mood so if I have a good lunch, I will make better pictures. I might be eating in the car or in front of a computer but at least it will be tasty and satisfying. Your thoughts/suggestions? |
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Bob Ford, Photographer
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Lehighton | Pa | USA | Posted: 12:09 PM on 10.22.10 |
->> One thing I've found that will help do away with the soggy sandwich is a panini press. One of my favorites is a nice roll and add a little olive oil, ham, salami, fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers. Then put it in the panini press for a couple of minutes and it stays together and un-soggy for hours.
You could probably come up with some other recipes and different breads and have a little variety. |
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Mike Ullery, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Piqua | OH | USA | Posted: 12:23 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> Don't know about the healthy aspects but my standby is beef jerky. Easy to pack along and eat anywhere. |
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Nick Adams, Photographer
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Lincoln | NE | | Posted: 1:30 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> Oatmeal. |
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Max Gersh, Photographer, Photo Editor
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New Castle | IN | USA | Posted: 1:31 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> I try to keep some protein and fiber bars in my car. They taste decent and keep you sustained for a long (enough) time. I also like to keep a bag of pumpkin seeds around because they taste good, are easy to eat and are high in protein. I know these aren't really meals but they keep me going between assignments. |
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Mike Burley, Photographer
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Dubuque | Iowa | USA | Posted: 1:51 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> Trader Joe's trail mix... Nuts, dried fruit and chocolate - cant go wrong. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 5:19 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> Clif Bars |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 5:56 PM on 10.22.10 |
->> I'm a pretty picky eater as well, and kind of have gourmet tastes on a McDonalds budget. If you have a Trader Joe's near you, go there. I do lots of dried fruits and nuts, along with fruit, and the occasional Clif, Luna, or Power bar.
I live five minutes from work, so I can often stop in during my shift to grab some fruit, have a yogurt or two, or make some quick ranchos huevos. This also keeps the cost down, as food eaten out, even fast food, is expensive!!!
If I have to eat on the run, it's Subway or Taco Bell bean burritos 95% of the time.
I also usually pack some food for sporting events, even if there's a media buffet. I'm a Hoosier vegetarian (I eat seafood, which the locals often don't count as meat). I've been burned too many times by mistakenly eating cole slaw with bacon in it, or veggie soup with chicken bits in it ("well, that's not meat!").
GL! |
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Anthony Soufflé, Photographer
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Ogden | UT | USA | Posted: 6:04 PM on 10.22.10 |
->> This is a really great topic Christine, I'm glad you started a thread. This past spring I read "In Defense of Food" which completely changed the way I think about what I eat.
Now I always try to keep granola bars and a few bottles of water in my car. Often I'll grab a banana as I'm running on the door in the morning for a quick and more importantly, self-contained snack. Also good are nuts (I prefer dry roasted peanuts and pistachios), baby carrots and unsalted pretzels.
If I remember to think ahead I'll cut up a peach or some other type of fruit and put it in a tupperware container or plastic bag. I think fruit is really key. There's so many varieties and so many ways you can eat it. Hell even taking a bag of frozen fruit mix, thawing it in the microwave for a little bit and sticking it in a blender makes a really healthy, all natural smoothie.
The other thing I try to do is not eat out, especially at fast food places. If I know I'm going to be out all day and can't stop by the house I'll make a simple sandwich and take it along. If you skip the condiments, or pack them separately, most sandwiches will keep until lunchtime. If I do have to eat on the run and didn't have time to bring something from home I'll stop somewhere and try to pick a healthy alternative off the menu.
That said, on occasion I'll just eat a bag of m&m's and say screw it.
Hope this helps. I'd love to hear anyone else's ideas... |
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Tami Chappell, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Atlanta | Ga | USA | Posted: 6:04 PM on 10.22.10 |
->> I am a peanut butter girl...(maybe cos I am from Ga.) but I like peanut butter samdwiches (don't get soggy) can add honey. Or carry crackers with peanut butter.
Also, apples and peanut butter.
Apples and cheese (sliced/or buy the cubed cheese).
Tortillas with just about any added item.... Cheese, meats etc. Never had them get soggy in a tortilla.
Nuts of any kind.
Health Bars. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 7:04 PM on 10.22.10 |
->> Trader Joe's (if you have one near) is amazing. They have lots of cool, crazy trail mixes and bag stuff.
Apples too. I live close to work, so I can go home as well. |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | US | Posted: 7:14 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Soylent Green. It's made from people, after all, and photojournalists are in the people business. |
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Christine Hochkeppel, Photographer
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Plymouth | MA | | Posted: 7:41 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> This is all great stuff! Keep it coming : ) I'm all about the Trader Joe's trail mixes, but I like the ones with little chocolate pieces in them and if you leave the bag in the car on a sunny day it turns into a melty mess! Mini carrots and hummus are good...I also like the Kashi snack bars, dark chocolate, dried cherry and almond..mmmm |
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John Cowpland, Photographer
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Napier | HB | New Zealand | Posted: 10:55 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> I carry OSM(One Square Meal) bars ... they are made here in New Zealand but I'm pretty sure we let you guys have them too! Phil Keogan (?SP) from "the amazing race" swears by them and every time he comes home to NZ he ships a bunch back to the states. http://www.onesquaremeal.com/index_noflash.html |
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Nina Zhito, Photographer
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bay area | CA | | Posted: 11:31 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> There is no more delicious combination on earth than Red Bull and Blue Diamond jalapeno smokehouse almonds, in my opinion, and it is my favorite breakfast or snack.... But, for something healthier Trader Joes tamari almonds are yummy, low fat, high protein, not too messy, unlike the smokehouse almonds. |
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Robby Gallagher, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 11:41 PM on 10.22.10 |
| ->> I usually pack my camera bag with honey and oats granola bars. I know that isnt a meal, but it is a nice snack on the road. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Diego | CA | USA | Posted: 12:48 AM on 10.23.10 |
| ->> Trader Joes Peanut Butter Pretzles stops the shakes almost immediately! Good luck opening the bag without dumping 1/3 of them all over though! There mean dog friendly for those assignments where you may run into a dick dog. |
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Kelvin Ma, Photographer, Assistant
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Boston | MA | | Posted: 1:28 AM on 10.23.10 |
->> Easily, the most important skill I've learned as a photojournalist is how to eat a burrito without spilling. While driving.
And for those Tampa people out there, I'm talking Taco Bus burritos... |
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Angus Mordant, Student/Intern
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Sydney | NSW Australia | Australia | Posted: 3:24 AM on 10.23.10 |
->> Mike
->> Trader Joe's trail mix... Nuts, dried fruit and chocolate - cant go wrong.
Sounds like Scroggin which is a perfect snack! |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 4:07 AM on 10.23.10 |
| ->> I like P&B too along with Trader Joe's spicy buffalo jerky, almonds, fruits, and/or a Cliff Bar. If you are packing a giant Dogwood sandwich, I usually pack the lettuce/tomato separate to lessen the sogginess and bring along a mayo packet taken from a fast food place. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 8:23 AM on 10.23.10 |
->> Christine,
Over the last 6 months I've lost 25 pounds. Part of it is a running program but part of it is portion control and finally understanding the quote: "Eat to live don't live to eat."
Here are things I've adapted:
1) Oatmeal is a staple for me because it is good for you and is filling. It lowers your cholesterol and for someone like me who works to lose weight, not getting the munchies is important. DO NOT use the instant version. By grinding the oats it loses much of it's nutritional value. Use old fashion variety.
2)I used to eat apples but have switched to oranges and other citrus products. Bananas also work.
3) IF you need a protein fix, a can of tuna in water is low in calories and does wonders. The only issue is the salt in it.
4) Lots of water. I'm a sucker for flavors that add no calories. Stay away from sodas - absolute poison.
Here's the one thing you have to remember: The more processing the food gets, the worse it is for you. No disrespect to any of those that posted prepackaged or processed foods, but when you eat processed food, your body has the empty calories (which add weight) but you'll continue to be hungry because your body doesn't recognize it as real "food". (That little tidbit came from the TV show "The Biggest Loser".
I can hit a grocery store and pick something up in 5 minutes. With the exception of the tuna, fresh works.
For something special, carry a spoon and when you hit the grocery store, try Yoplait Light yogurt. 100 calories, and available in a wide variety of flavors. My cats like to clean the container when I'm finished; unfortunately for them, they rarely find anything.
Hope this helps.
Michael |
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Will Powers, Photographer
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Denver | CO | USA | Posted: 12:45 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> Portion control is everything for losing weight. As far as sit in the car food, I like raw almonds, apricots, apples and bananas, especially dried.
If I have a chance to stop and eat, I like Chipotle (forget portion control) or Schlotzkky's. Problem with almost all fast food and many "good" restaurants is their dependence on salt as a spice. Flavor from herbs is sooooooo much better. |
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Jesse Beals, Photographer
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Tracyton | WA | USA | Posted: 2:16 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> This summer I took on a 12 week photo job at a Army Base. We got BOXES AND BOXES of MRE's
Nothing like a meal with a 10 year shelf life. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 7:10 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> Barring MREs, which aren't as bad as most folks think, I tend to just make based dry sandwiches. Rye bread, kosher salami and American cheese. It doesn't taste to bad after baking in a car for 8 hrs.
No peanut butter for me ... that means sudden death. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 7:45 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> Kelvin: Too funny! I'm pretty good at the burrito/drive/gobble as well. I can get the gnarliest, drippy burrito goes down while driving, and keep the shirt clean.
Christine, one thing I'm kind of fanatical about is keeping some sort of breath control available. Flavorful, delicious food usually means nasty breath. I keep a little bottle of Listerine or Extra gum in the fanny pack for a quick rinse or chew before I have to meet someone and get in their business for a photo shoot.
Nothing says rude like a facefull of onion or hummus lung. ;-) |
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Grace Chiu, Photographer
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Ottawa | ON | Canada | Posted: 8:24 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> Find a hotel with breakfast included and bring your backpack to load up on fruit and cereal.
Marshmallows in gluten-free, fat-free varieties are good for staying awake and can pad your lenses. In Holland yesterday, I got a huge bag of marshmallows at a Hema store for just 1 Euro.
Burritos are just gross. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 8:41 PM on 10.23.10 |
| ->> So's Canadian bacon! ;) |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 8:50 PM on 10.23.10 |
->> Grace,
The key is to dress like a business traveller, pulling a black ballistic nylon roll aboard and walk into the hotel's complimentary buffet with a discarded room key you found in the lobby in your hand, barely glance up and say "Room 317" and keep walking.
...did I just say that out loud? Yea...because I'd never do that :0) |
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Hazrin Yeob Men Shah, Photographer
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Kuala Lumpur | MYS | Malaysia | Posted: 2:54 AM on 10.25.10 |
| ->> I always have a stock of PowerBar in my bag. |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 12:46 PM on 10.25.10 |
| ->> Why hasn't anyone mentioned sushi? |
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Juliann Tallino, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 7:00 PM on 10.25.10 |
->> my favorite go to snack is edamame, I like the individual packaged frozen ones you can get at costco. 3 min in the microwave then sprinkle with a little kosher salt, a squeeze of lemon is nice if you have it.
For travel, sporting events, etc. I always have a couple of Luna bars in my pack, I like the lemon ones. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 7:15 PM on 10.25.10 |
| ->> Juliann, that's a great idea. I make edamame at home frequently, but haven't tried it for on-the-go yet. I get it in the TJ's freezer section. I don't have a Costco card, but may try packing up some pre-made pods in ziploc or tupperware. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 6:39 AM on 10.26.10 |
| ->> +1 on beef jerky...not much in the variety department, but very convenient. |
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Phillip Davies, Photographer
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Garden City | NY | US | Posted: 1:25 PM on 10.26.10 |
->> Beef jerky, trail mix and water. You can go for days on that stuff.
If you are REALLY exerting yourself (long hikes and really pushing your physical limits) and need some quick energy to keep going, energy gels like Gu or Cliff shots can be a real lifesaver. They run about $1.25 a packet for 1.5 to 2 oz, but you can keep them in your bag for a very long time.
Cliff shots use something called brown rice syrup which metabolizes more slowly than corn syrup. So if you want to save some money, you can make your own gels using brown rice syrup. Trader Joes keeps it in stock. If you put the packets in your camera bag, be sure to get a small hard case for them. If the packets burst, you'll have sugar syrup everywhere. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 2:02 PM on 10.26.10 |
| ->> +1 on the gels. I use it for cycling, and buy it (hammer gel) in bulk, and fill my own little flasks. Keeps the price down. |
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Christine Hochkeppel, Photographer
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Plymouth | MA | | Posted: 11:53 PM on 10.26.10 |
| ->> I recently had a packet of GU explode all over my gym/bike bag, not a pleasant experience, wouldn't recommend taking the risk and putting it in your camera bag... |
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Phillip Davies, Photographer
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Garden City | NY | US | Posted: 4:02 PM on 10.27.10 |
| ->> Just put the Gel packets into a small hard case of some kind and you won't have any problems. |
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Larry Lawson, Photographer
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 2:47 PM on 10.28.10 |
| ->> Ok... the whole MRE thing? I'm still in the miltary, and we get those once in awhile. Horrible! And the calories and salt? Maybe if you ate one over the course of a couple days...still, blech. |
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Robert Scheer, Photographer
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Indianapolis | IN | USA | Posted: 3:35 PM on 10.28.10 |
| ->> Agreed on the MRE thing. Some of the stuff is kind of tasty, in a way, but one bite of the veggie omelette and you'll be looking for listerine, Too much downside, not enough upside with MREs. And, with all the other grub available to most of us, why mess with them, unless it's some sort of attempt to look cool. |
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