One of the things we enjoy about living the RVNomad lifestyle is the freedom and spontaneity it offers. However, with that freedom comes the need for a bit of preparation to ensure smooth sailing on the road. We prepare a hearty chicken soup so that when we arrive at our n Friday, we’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Let me share with you the benefits of this simple act of preparation and how it contributes to both our mental and physical well-being.

The Benefits of Preparing Meals in Advance

Convenience and Stress Reduction

Some travel days can be long and tiring, and others can be a short 3 hour drive, which is what we prefer. Knowing that a nourishing meal is already prepared and waiting for us alleviates a significant amount of stress. Instead of scrambling to cook something after a long drive, we can simply heat up our pre-made chicken soup and relax. This convenience allows us to spend more quality time together and truly enjoy our stop.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

When we’re on the road, it’s easy to fall into the trap of fast food and unhealthy snacks. During our second year on the road, we both gained a significant amount of weight as we fell into the trap of eating out way too often. By preparing meals like chicken soup in advance, we ensure that we’re eating nutritious, balanced food. Homemade soup is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients that keep us energized and healthy. Yes it is hot out but soup can be enjoyed year round.

Promoting Mental Well-being

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken soup. The familiar, warm flavors can have a soothing effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. Knowing that we’ve taken the time to care for our future selves by preparing ahead also boosts our mood and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Enhancing Physical Health

Chicken soup is often dubbed a “healing” food for a reason. It’s hydrating, easy to digest, and rich in vitamins and minerals. The broth is especially beneficial for gut health, and the ingredients like garlic and onions have immune-boosting properties. Eating well-prepared, healthy meals helps us maintain our energy levels and stay active, which is crucial for our nomadic lifestyle.

The Joy of Cooking on the Road

Preparing meals in our RV kitchen has become one of Kirsten's favorite routines. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the process of cooking, and anticipate the comfort of a home-cooked meal. The aroma of simmering chicken soup fills our space with a sense of home, no matter where we are parked.

A Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for our favorite chicken soup:

Ingredients:

1 lb of chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded (We prefer thighs they make the soup more flavorful)

4 cups of chicken broth

2 carrots, sliced (We purchase pre-shredded bagged carrots, they take up less room in our small rv fridge)

1 onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Noodles of your choice and amount you like

Season to taste we have 3 Mrs Dash Seasonings that we love and use in almost everything you can find them here

Instructions:

In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until they are tender.

Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Stir in the shredded chicken

Add noodles, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are fully cooked

Let it cool, then store in containers for easy reheating. If you have enough room in your freezer, I recommend using the storage containers found here.

Taking the time to prepare meals in advance is a small act that has a big impact on our RV life. It ensures that we stay healthy, reduces stress, and adds a touch of home to our travels. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or enjoy weekend getaways, I highly recommend giving it a try. Here’s to happy travels and healthy eating!

Until next time, stay well, enjoy your soup, and have safe travels!

Kirsten & Mack