Eating Well On the Road
As Summer vacations kick into high gear, it’s a great time to talk about how not to derail your healthy eating habits. It’s easy to get off track when you’re on the road... When I’m traveling for work, I often find myself ordering more than I normally would because someone else is paying. And who wants a vacation without a little indulgence? Here are some simple tips to help stay on track AND enjoy yourself while you’re traveling:
Pack Snacks
There’s no doubt airport food can be questionable- there are so many fast food stands and sugary smoothie joints posing as healthy options you probably want to avoid. More recently, it’s not uncommon to find that some airport food stands are just not open due to lack of staffing. Either way, it’s best to be prepared with snacks of your own.
I never leave home without some easy trusted travel snacks. Rise Bars, Jerky Sticks, Nut Butter, and Collagen Packets are always stashed in my bag. They’ve definitely come in handy recently, and I’m glad I haven’t been left starving. You can find a variety of other suggestions for healthy travel options here.
PLAN AHEAD
If you’re planning dinner out while you’re away, it’s always helpful to plan ahead. Do some research before your trip, and find restaurants with good options. If you’re already at your destination, and you’re headed out to a place of someone else’s choosing, check out their menu ahead of time. If you’ve got dietary restrictions, you may want to call ahead if the restaurant website is unclear. Planning ahead will help you make better decisions before you’re being pressured by family and friends ordering unhealthy meals.
If you’re staying in a hotel with a kitchen, or even a rental home, you can easily plan to eat some of your meals in. I find that Breakfast is often the easiest meal to shop for and prepare while on the road, and it gives me the option to eat a protein rich meal that will fuel a busy day of site-seeing. Plan ahead by locating the closest grocery store and getting your essentials when you arrive. You can always supplement with fresh fruit or veggies as you go, or even add in some local options you may find along the way! Take advantage of the option to eat in- it’s not only healthier, but often will save you some money!
Always Add Protein & Veggies
When you’re traveling, you may not be the one making all the choices. Perhaps you’re in a group, and someone else chose the restaurant. Perhaps you’re at a business meeting with a buffet lunch. Or perhaps you just don’t have many great options at your location. Do your best to choose the best options for you. Ask questions of your waiter or chef. And when in doubt, stick with proteins like chicken or fish and load up on the veggies. Meals may not always be perfect, but there are ways to choose the best options for your needs.
Drink Water
Most people don’t drink enough water. Add in dehydrating flights, long days with lots of caffeine, and elaborate meals- you’re most likely in need of a tall glass of water! It’s easy to loose site of healthy habits on the road, but one of the easiest fixes is often to drink more water! So get yourself a good water bottle (like this one), fill it once you’re past security, and keep drinking! Most hotels have water fountains, some with bottle filling stations to refill on the go, or stop by a coffee shop and ask them to fill it for you. It’s truly the easiest healthy travel hack out there.
Be Mindful of Alcohol
Of course you want to have a good time on vacation. But there’s no doubt that alcohol can wreak havoc on your health. It disrupts sleep, causes anxiety, canlead to poor food choices, and no one wants to spend their precious vacation time hungover. I’d never tell someone who wants to indulge in alcohol not to, rather, be mindful of how much you’re drinking, and when. Don’t drink too late in the evening. Be mindful of drinking while out in the sun. Always drink water with your drinks. And don’t overdo it, especially with drinks you’ve never had before.
ENJOY YOURSELF
It’s never easy to stay on track on the road, and whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure, sometimes you just want to let loose and enjoy the local cuisine. Don’t feel guilty when indulging on the road- try not to make it every meal, but do be sure to enjoy yourself and the city you’re in. You can always get back on track when you’re back at home.
How do you make healthier choices while traveling? Would you add any tips to this list?
I hope you have a safe and healthy summer, and enjoy your travels, no matter where they take you!
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