Nutrition on the Go: Tips for Healthy Eating While Traveling

Nutrition on the Go: Tips for Healthy Eating While Traveling

Keeping healthy habits while traveling can be challenging. This is especially true when it comes to nutrition. It’s hard enough making healthy food choices and being careful with what you eat when you’re at home. On the road, that seems impossible.

However, just because it seems impossible it doesn’t have to be. If you want to eat healthy food while traveling, you can, it just takes a bit more planning and organizing.

You can develop a healthy routine while you’re traveling, a routine that won’t stop you from having fun and enjoying your travels.

If you’re looking for tips for healthy eating while on the road, you’re in the right spot because we have all the information you need. Let’s dive in.

Pack snacks

The greatest challenge of eating healthy food while traveling is having no control over when you eat. Too much time between two larger meals can lead to you feeling hungry. This, in turn, can lead to overeating during larger meals.

To avoid this, always have a snack on hand. Packing snacks can be very useful as it can sate your hunger between meals. 

The best part is that you have control over what kind of snacks you eat. If your goal is to eat more healthily, you should pack fruit, dried fruit, granola bars, hummus, dark chocolate, and other healthy snacks. All of these snacks are pretty small and can fit in your carry-on bag.

Always carry a reusable water bottle

In addition to snacks, you should also carry a reusable water bottle on your travels. Traveling can take a toll on our bodies, and staying hydrated is often the key. 

Staying hydrated by drinking water not only prevents headaches, fatigue, and other signs of dehydration but also aids in flushing out toxins and enhancing your immune system. Hydrating can help you stay fresh and feel your best longer. 

Having a water bottle handy, will ensure you get enough fluids. On top of that, reusable water bottles will save you money and they are eco-friendly. 

To make your water bottle customized you can personalize them with stubby holders from Stubbs and Mattee. These holders will keep your bottle hot or cold for hours on end. The other option is getting an insulated water bottle.

Bring food with you in smart storage

When you know that your trip will be long and you won’t have time or place to eat, bring premade meals with you. You can easily carry your food in labeled and sealed storage.

If you’re traveling by plane, make sure you find smart storage that has the best chance of going through airport security.

That shouldn’t be a problem because we have many different storage options today. Containers that can store non-solid food and get it through airport security. If you can’t find appropriate reusable containers, you can use reusable bags that you can wash and use again.

Prioritize protein 

When traveling, try to prioritize protein. Protein will keep you satisfied for longer periods and you won’t feel hungry. That’s one of the main reasons why you should choose snacks and meals rich in protein when on the road.

When dining out, always opt for eggs, chicken, or steak. All of these foods are protein-centric. As for snacks, you can pack nuts, protein powder, Greek yogurt, and beef jerky, in addition to already mentioned snacks.

All in all, when on the road, make sure your plate is colorful. Eat vegetables, fruit, protein, and complex carbohydrates.

Choose accommodations with an equipped kitchen

Yet another tip for healthy eating while traveling is finding and choosing accommodations that have equipped kitchens. Having a kitchen at your disposal while on the road will allow you to make your own meals. 

Cooking your own food means cooking healthy food, being mindful of what ingredients you use, and saving quite a bit of money.

Cooking your own food doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on local foods and delicacies. It just means that you can experiment with local ingredients and foods on your own. You can visit the local supermarket and stock up the fridge with healthy local foods.

Check out local markets

In addition to local supermarkets and grocery shops, you should also visit local farmers' markets. There’s no better place to find fresh, healthy, and affordable produce and ingredients. Farmers’ markets are also great places to experience the local culture.

Always check out the working hours of farmer’s markets in places where you’re traveling because they aren’t always open.

Have a restaurant plan 

If you have no other option but to eat out for the duration of your trip, have a restaurant plan. It’s possible to eat healthy and nutritious foods even when eating out frequently.

The key is knowing what to order. So, before going out to eat, check out restaurants and the menus they offer.

Almost all restaurants offer salads with grilled chicken or sandwiches with whole-wheat bread and lean protein. So, you can have a protein-centric meal. 

Additionally, don’t forget that meal portions in restaurants are rather large, so if you can’t eat everything, have them pack the leftovers for you. 

Local street food is not the same as fast food franchises

Don’t miss out on local street food! Yes, you’re trying to eat healthy foods while traveling, but local street food isn’t the same as fast food.

Eating a gyro in Greece, or a slice of pizza in Italy is not the same as getting a greasy burger from McDonald’s or Burger King. Local street food is much more delicious and cheaper than fast food from big franchises. So, you can indulge in local street food every now and then.

Bottom Line

It’s highly important to listen to your body when traveling across time zones. Don’t let yourself go hungry for a long time and then overeat on your next large meal. 

Eating healthy food while traveling is challenging but not impossible. Hopefully, these several tips can help you on your next trip.