Festival season is upon us!
It all started with Glastonbury, which I happily went to. It was amazing. Muddy as hell, but still absolutely amazing. There is something very special about festivals, it’s almost like people forget their city inhibitions and stresses and enter this alternate reality made of wellies, glitter, face paint, and flower crowns. It’s beautiful and I love it.
Lovely as it is, festivals can also be pretty full on. Late nights, food stalls, sleeping in tents. It does take its toll, and I know many a person who have gotten ill after a festival, so I’ve created this survival guide to hopefully get you through as healthily and unscathed as possible!
When the night-time comes around, it usually means party time. During the day I tend to drink cider, but at night out comes the gin and vodka. Yes, I drink! As a mixer, instead of coke or sprite, I favour juices – I’ve even used cold pressed green juices before, it was a great conversation starter! – sparkling water with lemon, and I’ve recently discovered Ugly Water, which is sparkling water with essential oils (and no sugar!).
Pack non-perishable snack here. You could take homemade granola bars, or you could stock up on some trusted bars and trail mixes to bring with you. Look for sugar-free options, with delicious ingredients like nuts and dates, and that are high in protein. You can also pack fruits that don’t squish, such as apples. There tend to be stalls selling fresh fruit, so you do have options once you’re there as well.
I try and eat at least one meal that has some fresh veggies. Before going to the festival you can always do some research online as to which stalls might be there, or on the first day just keep an eye out as you walk around. That way, when hunger hits you know where to go instead of just grabbing the first thing in sight. Looking for veggie food stands is a good shout as they tend to some good green and veggie options. You don’t need to stress or worry about it for every meal, but it does help to get some fresh goodness in at least once a day!
Ok so I know this one is pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people (myself included) can forget to drink enough water when you’re in the middle of a field. You can always buy water, but I’d recommend taking your own water bottle and refilling at water taps. I took my Bobble, which conveniently has its own filter. Many festivals also have smoothie and juice stands, and I even got a coconut water one morning – it was pure hydration bliss!
Waking up with a hangover is pretty horrible. Make sure you get a decent breakfast, drink loads of water, and possibly find a place that serves a mean Bloody Mary. One of my tricks is to also bring along some superfood and vitamin powders to drink in the morning. I took Ibiza Superfoods, which I mixed with water in the morning. Definitely better than Berocca!
And by essentials I mean more than you usually have at home. These are festival-survival essentials. I favour natural beauty and skincare products, and I took Body and face wipes, hand sanitiser, tissues, dry shampoo (I use Rahua’s), lip balm, deodorant (I’ve been loving this one). You’ll want to feel fresh – or as fresh as you can – so make sure you’re well stocked to keep feeling fabulous.
Hi, I'm Teffy, a qualified Nutritionist and avid foodie. This blog is all about inspiring a balanced life through delicious and wholesome foods, with not a diet in sight. Healthy eating shouldn't be hard and stressful, it should be easy and fun - Working with my clients they are constantly amazed that yes, food can taste great AND be good for you!
