TOP 5 HEALTHY EATING TIPS WHILE TRAVELING

healthy eating Jul 22, 2020

Are you going to do any summer travels? With COVID restricting different levels of activities within different areas, some families are going stir crazy and taking to the road or modified vacation plans. My husband and I recently went to the mid-west and road tripped around the wide open country side for a few days. There are some breathtaking views and it’s easy to maintain social distancing when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Traveling reminded me of some of the challenges around maintaining a healthy diet when always on the go.

TOP 5 TIPS:

1. Stay hydrated

It’s hard to drink as much as you should when the next restroom may be an unknown destination.  And who wants to use the restroom on airplanes?  Only if I have to!  So, we tend to drink less for the convenience of not having to stop as much.  Sadly, it doesn’t take much for us to become mildly dehydrated and a few days in a row can take us to dehydrated really easily.  Headache, feeling lightheaded and fatigue are some signs of mild to moderate dehydration.  Be aware of dehydration and keep drinking to feel your best.    

2. Limit caffeine

Caffeine is a diuretic and will make you need more bathroom breaks not to mention losing some of that water we want to maintain. Drink some morning coffee if you must but then find other non-caffeinated drinks while on the road.  Herbal teas and water are best.  Remember sparkling water is an option almost as good as plain water and maybe will help you feel like you’re having a soda.  Minus the sugar and caffeine.  The flavor takes some getting used to but it’s worth it!   

3. Find fresh veggies and fruit

Not only will this add to your water consumption but it will add hard to find fiber when you’re eating on the go.  We should be eating 35 grams of fiber daily and most people are only eating 15 grams!  Vegetables and fruit are good natural sources of fiber.  Most convenience stores have a small section of refrigerated foods where you can find fruits and vegetables.  Stop at any grocery store when you see one.        

4. Pack snacks

If you plan ahead and can pack snacks from home bring those and when hunger hits you have something of quality even if you are miles from the next stop.  The snacks also allow a bit of flexibility to timing your eating.  If you’re used to eating when you’re hungry and travel messes that up, then it’s helpful to have some nuts or crackers on hand to tide you over until a sit-down meal.  Beef jerky, almonds, almond butter packets, crackers, mixed nuts, and pea pods are my favorites. 

5. Plan for time changes

Decide if you’re going to miss a meal due to time changes.  The biggest one is dinner and being in the air during normal dinner time where upon landing it’s way past dinner time due to the difference in time zones.  Your body doesn’t know it’s 11PM now it’s just hungry.  You can either eat at 11:00 or wait until morning but you know your body best and if you pack some food to carry with you maybe the too-hungry-to fall-asleep feeling can be avoided and problem solved.  When traveling east to west you may gain hours in the day in which case don't eat if you're not hungry yet.  

List of Best Snack Foods for Traveling

  • Beef jerky

  • Pistachios

  • Almonds

  • Dried fruit

  • Popcorn

  • Peanut or almond butter packets

  • Dried edamame or chick peas

  • Kale chips

    There are many other great options if you can take a cooler

  • String cheese

  • Carrots

  • Grapes

  • Hummus and celery

  • Hard boiled eggs

Whatever your summer plans, there are trips through the great outdoors that just might be what you need.  We've been forced into a new way of thinking about how we go about doing things and instead of getting frustrated and down, we can look for new opportunities and adventure.  There is something to be said for disconnecting from the world and our phones/email/social media.  Visit a new place or get in the car with no destination and see where adventure takes you.

Until next time,

Be Fit, Be Strong, Safe travels and pack snacks!

 

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