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.