As many of you know, I’m travelling though Japan! It’s my first time there but not my first time in Asia. I spent my high school graduation on a 5 week trek through China. That trip really opened my eyes to another way of eating. I loved how communal and ceremonial it was. I loved the variety of dishes that were all related. I loved the rhythm of it, multiple dishes that complemented and contrasted one another. The soup made with the bones of a poultry dish served in another course. The delicious custard served alongside the mind blowing steamed buns. Slices of fresh watermelon served after I expected that nothing more could possibly fit in my belly.
I know that Japanese cuisine is different but I imagine that complex flavours will shine through the simple array of pickles, rice, soup and fish I expect to have for breakfast.
Parm crisps for a salty plane snack.
As I’ve been recovering from an intense parasite cleanse, I’ve been straying from a strict keto diet to incorporating more carbs. This includes pressure cooked beans, lentils and rice (ok and it’s hard to say no to a good popcorn snack). My energy level seems to waver when I eat carbs but I just stay mindful of that.
I have noticed through that my periods are better post parasite annihilation. I still, however, don’t digest a single thing during the first two days of it. Not even supplements. Sorrynotsorry for the tmi.
Garlic flavoured pork rinds?! Yes please!
So. I decided I would try to go 4 days without consuming fiber aka eat something along the lines of a carnivore diet. This is pretty trendy and has been helping people alleviate symptoms of lime disease, arthritis, etc. I’m not advocating it but I think the success stories, even if temporary merit recognition.
I eat a diverse diet outside of my lady time so why not try this. I gotta say that I definitely had a ton more energy during my pms days than I usually do solely eating muscle meat and bone broth.
On this trip to Japan, I don’t have access to farmers I know who sell meat from pasture raised animals or a kitchen so I had to rely on some affordable easy accessible packaged goods. I wasn’t going to make a bunch of food and bring it with me only to have TSA take it away from me.
Here’s what my strategy was:
Pack snacks:
Dark chocolate
Parmesan crisps
Pork rinds
Beef jerky
Order a gluten free meal:
Lots of people online suggest fasting during a trip but, I don’t know about you, but I am a hungry woman pre-period. My meal was chicken in bbq sauce with vegetables, salad and fruit. Not bad! I would’ve had it all had it been any other time of the month. Instead I just ate the chicken and the baby food like mashed sweet potato.
Pack supplements:
Ginger gravol - is the best. It really helps me with travel nausea and digestion. The chewable kind is easier for me to digest and absorb.
Melatonin - I forced myself to believe it was the middle of the night in Tokyo on the flight. I took melatonin and covered my eyes with an eye mask.
Magnesium - I take magnesium citrate on the daily at home. It’s helped my daily digestion immensely. I found some handy travel packets and asked for plain hot water when the flight attendants came around.
Hydration pills - not only are flights notorious for dehydration, so is entering ketosos which inevitably happens when one removes carbs. Many online discussions on travelling low carb suggest just adding salt to your water but I like a good quality supplement because you do need a variety of minerals and a little bit of carbs for your body to absorb sodium. I learned that the hard way on my last trip when I got super dehydrated to the point of vomiting endlessly.
I’m almost done my 22 hr trip and I’m feeling pretty good. I’ll report back to how Japan is as soon as I can! I’ve been archiving my instagram stories during my trip to Japan on my profile highlights. Find it here: evabee.com/chefevabee
