For even the healthiest eater, sticking to your usual eating habits while travelling can pose a challenge. Although letting go of your regular routines is all part of taking a vacation, there are ways to let loose and have fun without completely abandoning your health goals. Read on to learn how to indulge without carrying extra baggage on your return trip!
Plot Your Course
A little prep work always makes a vacation run smoothly. Guidebooks and the internet come in handy when choosing a hotel to bunk at or researching a site to see. Why not dig a little deeper and find out how to eat healthy on the road? Websites abound that help vegetarian, raw or celiac travellers find new restaurants on the road; travel guide books will also help you source restaurants that cater to special dietary needs.
Hit the Road
On a road trip, the biggest health culprits are the fast food chains you stop at along the way. Packing a cooler is a simple way to control your roadside nibbles. Take along reusable bottles of filtered water, tetra packs of organic milk or soy milk and 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice. Wash and chop up fresh fruit and veggies and pack in a resealable container with mini cups of dip. Other healthy, road-friendly snacks include cheese strings, yogurt cups, unsalted trail mixes, baked chips and whole food energy bars. If you do decide to stop for lunch, plan ahead. Research a pretty picnic spot to stop, and pack along sandwiches made on whole grain bread.
Prepare for Take Off
We used to complain about airplane food…now there isn’t any! The best way to feel energized when you land is to carry on your own nutritious meal. While liquids and gels are restricted on the airplane, foods are allowed through security. Also, many airports are now offering healthier take out options: look for sushi, smoothies or salads to nosh in flight. But be sure to keep your meals light as this will reduce the potential for tummy troubles that result from flying. Also, avoid filling up on foods that are high in sodium. Consuming too much salt before or during the flight will promote swelling of the feet while you are in the air. To help combat swelling, remember to drink plenty of water. Ensure you have enough water on the flight by either purchasing the biggest bottle of water you can find or refilling your own bottle at the fountain once you are through security. That way you don’t have to flag down the flight attendant every 10 minutes.
Mind How You Dine at Your Destination
It is all about balance – not every meal should be deep fried! A proper breakfast is a vital start to a busy day and will help you avoid too many temptations. In many countries, breakfast pastries are the norm, but restaurants or cafés will often have fruit available and many can prepare eggs à la carte for some protein. If you are going to splurge, lunch is a great time to do it. Not only are most restaurants less expensive at lunch but chances are you are also going to have the rest of the day to walk it off. For dinner, have a healthy serving of vegetables and forgo the dessert. You’ll sleep soundly and dream of all the goodies you’ll discover in the morning.
Have a nutrition question? Email nutrition@choicesmarkets.com.
