Health and fitness are very important aspects of my life. Living a life on the road can make that challenging. I often get asked: “Do you meal plan?” “How often do you eat out?” “Do you just eat Ramen all the time?” When building my van it was important to me to create a kitchen that I could actually cook in. This means enough counter space to prep food without everything falling to the ground. It also meant having a fridge and freezer (even if it is really tiny) and plenty of storage for spices, dry goods, and kitchen gadgets.

About my build

My van is filled with sunlight, thanks to the many windows that make the space feel open and bright. One standout feature is the unconventional oven placement, positioned in the doorway, facing the back. This unconventional setup frees up the space, making it feel less cramped while I cook.

On top of the propane oven are three stove burners, and just below it, a drawer holds all my pots and pans. Opposite the oven, there’s a generously sized sink (big for van standards) paired with a butcher block countertop and a convenient pop-up outlet.

From the upper cabinets, mesh bags hang with fruit and veggies, while these same cabinets also store all my dinnerware, spices, oils, and an array of sauces and vinegars. Underneath the counter, four drawers and three narrow cubbies keep utensils, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and even larger items like my blender, tupperware, mixing bowls, cutting boards, and my toaster—all neatly tucked away.

Below the sink, I have a dedicated spot for the trash can, my compact vacuum, and cleaning supplies. Right next to the sink, a floor-to-ceiling pantry—though only about 9 inches wide—holds a surprising amount of food. I often find myself with too many ingredients on hand, which only makes experimenting with recipes even more fun.

Across from the pantry, another butcher block countertop sits above my fridge (complete with a small, but efficient freezer). And there, magnetized to the counter, rests my prized possession: the air fryer.

The space is designed for collaboration too. It’s roomy enough for two people to cook side-by-side—one chopping and prepping while I handle the stove. I love having friends over to share in the joy of cooking in this tiny space. After all these years, I wouldn’t change a single detail of this build—it perfectly reflects my passion for healthy eating and life on the road.

Eating Out

Traveling on the road can make dining out seem like the easiest option. After all, eating out is quick, hassle-free, and spares you from the cleanup. With limited water and space in a van, cooking and cleaning can be a challenge.

Food is my passion, both in the van and on the road. I love exploring local restaurants that capture the spirit of each place I visit. There’s something truly special about discovering a hidden gem that reflects the culture and culinary heritage of a region. That’s why I rarely hit up chain restaurants; I’d rather invest my time and money in spots that come highly recommended by locals.

When it comes to finding great places to eat, I turn to Google Maps. I always check the reviews and rarely settle for anything below a 4.5-star rating. It’s not just about the stars—a high rating based on a handful of reviews doesn’t tell the full story. I look for restaurants with over 500 reviews, and then I dive into the photos and menus to get a true feel for the place.

My friends and family know I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, so I often get the best recommendations when I’m in a new city. I even joke that “I’m not a Restaurant Repeater,” as I love the excitement of trying a new spot every time, especially in cities that boast thousands of dining options.

For me, eating out isn’t just about convenience—it’s a genuine hobby. While I make every effort to choose healthy options when dining out, I also believe in balance. I keep my van-cooked meals nutritious so that when I discover that amazing local restaurant, I can fully indulge in the experience.

Grocery Shopping

Trader Joe’s has long been my favorite grocery store—it never disappoints with its wide array of healthy options, unique finds, and diverse product range. While most of my shopping is done at Trader Joe’s, I love hunting for one-of-a-kind ingredients when I’m in a big city. For example, during a recent trip to LA, I discovered H Mart. Although it’s a Korean-based grocery store, it also carries an impressive selection of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese staples. Wandering through its aisles felt like being a kid in a candy store—I spent over two hours just browsing, fascinated by all the new, fun ingredients that sparked my creativity in the kitchen.

I’m also a huge fan of summer and farmers markets. There’s something truly special about picking up fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables on a sunny day. I get excited for the season when produce is at its peak—give me vine-ripened tomatoes, plump berries, and vibrant leafy greens any day!

Many people claim that eating healthy is more expensive than dining out, but I believe it all comes down to how you approach it. Investing in wholesome ingredients is an investment in your health and longevity. I used to do one massive shopping trip each week to fill my fridge and freezer, but in a van with limited space, that method just led to waste. Now, I enjoy making multiple smaller trips throughout the week. This way, I can plan just a couple of days’ worth of meals at a time, spend less money, and reduce food waste—all while enjoying the process of exploring new foods.

Eating In

Cooking most of my meals on the road is the key to eating healthy. While I love experimenting with new recipes, I’ve also honed a few go-to meals that keep decision fatigue at bay. For instance, hearty salads packed with protein, fresh veggies, and creative toppings offer a quick, flexible option that adapts to whatever ingredients I have on hand. Stir-fries are another favorite—they’re a great way to use up what I have in the fridge, and each version turns out different every time. Lastly I love to pan fry some chicken or beef and air fry some veggies as a side.

Speaking of air fryers, this little gadget has completely transformed my home-cooking routine. I can toss almost anything into it and have a perfectly cooked dish in no time. From salmon and broccoli to sweet potatoes and even egg bites, the air fryer speeds up meal prep and cuts down on cleanup, making it an indispensable tool in my van kitchen.

Since I started making basic staples from scratch, my health has improved and I’ve noticed some savings too. Sure, it takes a bit more time, but once you get into the groove, it hardly feels like a chore. I whip up everything from salad dressings, almond and cashew milk, pickled veggies, and pesto, to even sourdough bread. Enjoying meals with fewer ingredients and preservatives truly feels like a win for my overall well-being.

Overall Health and Exercise

Staying healthy on the road goes far beyond just eating well—it’s about embracing a holistic lifestyle. For me, regular movement and exercise are as essential as the nutritious meals I cook. It’s the perfect blend of sleep, hydration, physical activity, and mental well-being that keeps me balanced. Life is all about making time for the things that bring you joy and nurturing every aspect of your health.

I realize that not everyone gets as excited about healthy cooking as I do. But my goal in sharing my favorite quick and easy recipes is to show you that preparing wholesome meals can be both fun and accessible. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, expensive, or complicated—it can be a creative adventure. I hope this blog inspires you to experiment in the kitchen and to embrace a balanced, joyful lifestyle on your own road. Happy cooking!