I start a new job next week that requires me to travel. I'll basically be driving around in a van,so I'll need to pack a cooler.I don't want to eat fast food etc. Don't laugh,but is there a technique to packing a cooler right? I mean,to keep things cool all day? I would also love some Zone meal ideas/recipes that wouldn't require heating.
Can smoothies be made in the morning and stay well in a thermos?
I could really use some tips to stay healthy on the road.

Hi trixie,
I didn't have any luck with keeping a smoothie in a cooler but I have used fruit and cottage cheese as a meal that keeps well in a cooler. You could also try slices of cold chicken with a salad and some fruit. These are a couple of things I use when I have to take a lunch to work.
Paula

trixie, my daughter makes 2 smoothies each morning for her son (toddler age), one for a morning snack and one to eat in the later part of the afternoon. They keep fine. Of course, his tastes may not be as discriminating as an adult's. You can use the Thermos cold/hot stainless steel unbreakable food containers. They keep hot food hot 5 hours, cold food cold for 7 hours. I have a couple and they really work well. They eliminate the need for a cooler, and there's no need to heat the food at your destination. http://www.thermos.com/product_deta...de=FOOD&q=

For me, smoothies thicken even after only a few minutes of sitting.
So, probably would not be best to try and keep in a cooler until lunch.
Cheese and fruit works well as a combination.
The pouches or small cans of (wild) Salmon also work well as a Protein.
Small containers of Cottage Cheese also work well for Protein.
Raw, unsalted Almonds work well for your Fat.
Carbs are wide open, depending on your needs and tastes.
Canned vegetables, if you like cold, can be used - such as a 2 or 3 bean combination,
Green beans (1 cup = 1 block) & Black beans (1/4 cup = 1 block) are both favorable,
in a ziplock/glad container, add a small piece of fruit (small clementine or 1/2 of an orange) and you have 3 blocks.
The other 1/2 of the orange can be combined with some cheese for a 1 block snack.

"For me, smoothies thicken even after only a few minutes of sitting"

This is probably due to the brand of protein powder being used, or to reactions between some of other specific ingredients in John's smoothies. Incidentally, for the Zone, thicker is better. The more you liquefy carbohydrates, the less favorable they become for controlling insulin levels and keeping you in the Zone.

Thank you all for your advice! That thermos looks neat Sue!