Aldi has partnered with TV personality and nutritionist Lily Soutter to curate a list of the best foods for a fit festival experience – for under a tenner. With dehydration, fatigue and hunger listed as some of the most common health risks experienced at festivals, preparation is key for an enjoyable weekend.
Lily said “To optimise the festival experience, maximising energy with the right fuel is a must. Summer festivals can be fun, but the long days, lack of sleep and alcohol can leave us feeling tired and under the weather.
“Treating our body well by having the right snacks to hand whilst staying hydrated can support our digestive health and mood, both of which are needed for festival fun. Opting for practical and easy-to-transport fibre-rich, wholegrain carbohydrates, healthy fats such as avocado, and high-quality protein can help to provide longer-lasting energy whilst keeping hunger at bay.”
Start your day the right way with a hearty breakfast to keep your energy high. It may be tempting to rely on quick-fix foods for energy, but these can lead to blood sugar highs and lows, resulting in energy slumps and even that ‘hangry’ feeling. Oats like the Harvest Morn Instant Oat Pot (29p, 50g) are a source of slow-release carbohydrates, helping you to stay fuelled throughout the day. They also come with B vitamins, which convert the food we eat into energy. For that extra boost, you could try the Harvest Morn Golden Syrup Protein Oats (49p, 70g) which may aid with satiety.
Hydration is key during festivals, particularly if drinking alcohol, or dancing for hours whilst enjoying your favourite band in the sun. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, lack of concentration, headaches, dizziness, and light headedness. Water is a great first choice for hydration, but if looking for something more flavoursome with a nutrient hit, you could consider Aldi’s The Juice Company Vitamin Water (75p, 500ml) which hydrates and replenishes B vitamins.
The Foodie Market Lentil Hoops (59p, 23g) come with 12.7g more protein per 100g in comparison to regular hoops, and protein plays a role in keeping hunger at bay, whilst supporting with recovery from all that active festival fun. What's more they are easy to transport and can be enjoyed on the go.
During festivals, it can be a challenge to eat our 5 a day. Try packing fruits with a thicker skin that acts like natural packaging like the Everyday Essential Oranges (60p, 5 pack) or Natures Pick Loose Bananas (14p each). Bananas provide a natural energy boost, along with electrolyte minerals such as potassium while oranges provide a fibre hit and are an excellent source of vitamin C to support immunity and fight fatigue.
Avocados really are a superpower when it comes to festival foods, and their thick skin makes them easy to transport. Full of healthy fats, fibre, vitamin E and even potassium, they can be enjoyed with any meal. Natures Pick Large Ripe and Ready Avocados (89p each) are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and make a perfect replacement for butter or mayonnaise. Smash them onto wholemeal bread and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a delicious breakfast with long-lasting energy or try blending into tuna for a healthy and tasty alternative to mayonnaise.
If hunger strikes and you’re not close to lunch or dinner, a snack bar with protein may help to curb those hunger pangs whilst deterring you from less nourishing quick-fix festival foods. Whilst protein bars can be a great convenience during festivals, try opting for those which aren’t high in added sugars like Aldi’s Harvest Morn Peanut Butter High Protein Bar (£1.19, 60g).
Surprisingly, Rye Crispbread provides a whopping 16g of fibre per 100g! Enjoying just four Savour Bakes Original Rye Crispbread (69p, 250g) with lunch will equal one-quarter of the recommended daily fibre intake. Grandessa Smooth Peanut Butter (99p, 340g) makes a delicious topping, whilst providing an extra protein and fibre boost along with heart-friendly fats.
An excellent source of protein with just one Brooklea Protein Pudding (99p, 200g) providing 20g, who would have thought a delicious pudding could pack in such a protein punch! These pots are also low in saturated fat and sugar. Not only are they tasty and convenient, but they are also quick and easy to enjoy at festivals.
