I’d figured out how to do GAPS on vacation, but I’m faltering on how to do GAPS at a family festival when one is car-free. Why? In terms of a vacation, I can choose a motel close to a grocery store, have at least a bar fridge to myself, and have a kitchenette I can fully control.
I just spent two days at a home where extended family had gathered. I brought SCD groceries, my homogenizer (yes) and staple spices, etc. The challenges? There was no space in the fridge, time in the kitchen was very limited (so much other cooking going on), and as fast as I’d thoroughly clean the kitchen to prep food for my son and I, it was messy again (other people getting snacks, etc) –gluten crumbs across the counters; a piece of someone’s chocolate bar landing in my coconut oil, etc.
Another challenge is that of family members saying, “Ugh!” and, “Yuck!” to dishes involving broth or meat (they are vegetarian). I’ve had to remind them several times to please remember the healing this program has brought to my son, and to speak positively about it in front of him.
In terms of food preparation, I am relieved to be home again. I’m whipping up several dishes in anticipation of two more days there. (I’m also taking advantage of our privacy to infuse us with a nutritious Shepherd’s Pie!)
Yes, today had me daydreaming about owning a car, so that I can just shuttle my son and I from family events to our SCD kitchen and back again –or at least do more frequent grocery runs while without fridge space, or get our homogenizer and staples around more easily.
A vehicle is not in the financial picture right now. I wonder if any readers might have any ‘workarounds’ to share, ie. ideas of how to do GAPS car-free while in someone else’s very full, very busy kitchen? (For example, would a specific sort of insulated bag/cooler on their snowy deck maintain a temperature below warm but above freezing?)
This is an old post, but this could maybe still be helpful
I don’t know where it came from, but when I was younger (10?), we got a cooler as a gift shaped like R2D2. It was AMAZING. Ice lasted for several days, even in the car. We kept crayfish warm for a five hour car trip. I don’t know if that particular cooler is still for sale, and it was expensive-around two hundred dollars i think when we looked it up. The point here is, for at least short periods, a cooler could probably do you wonders if you find the right one. Take some time on amazon and look through reviews until one feels right, that usually helps me decide on something. I wouldn’t be afraid to splurge a bit on that one, as a good cooler can last for a really long time. I can’t really think of a better solution. Maybe you could take the social solution route and figure out a way to make sure you can have the kitchen to yourself for a bit or have a crockpot (i know, more equipment) moved to a corner, and have it going from the morning? are they early risers? that would at least take care of SOME food problems.
I can sympathize with the slightly messy, uncooperative family. Try volunteering to cook in a house addicted to fast food. “ok, you cook, we’re going out now.”
And that had nothing to do with GAPS. lol.
It’s inspiring to know that you were able to do GAPS so successfully on such a low budget. I guess it really has a lot to do with priorities and creativity. Having your health trumps car. Well, if there is another way to get around, anyway.