Tips For Staying Healthy While Traveling
It’s that time of year again – travel season! Do you leave your healthy eating habits behind any time you take a trip? It’s easy to get derailed by the chaos that comes with travel. But with a little planning you can prevent your road trip from turning into a train wreck.
Whether you’re flying or driving this summer, gathering a few provisions in advance can help thwart that road-trip bloat and keep you on track with your healthy eating. By planning ahead (yes you can bring solid foods through airport security) you’ll avoid the temptation to stop at the drive thru, convenience stores, and airport food courts. If you’re driving, consider bringing a small cooler and fill it perishable items like veggies and hummus, hardboiled/deviled eggs, yogurt, and string cheese.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the best things you can do while traveling is to stay hydrated. Because flying naturally dehydrates you, it’s critical to ensure that you are consuming plenty of water. The benefits of staying hydrated include, increased energy, flushing of toxins, regularity, proper digestion, and decreased bloat. If you’re traveling by plane, consider bringing an empty water bottle and “fill up” at the airport once inside security.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Staying ahead of hunger with quick, nutrient dense snacks will help you make healthier food choices throughout the rest of your trip. Consider non-perishable snacks like nuts, veggie sticks, apples w/nut butter, protein bars, string cheese, hard boiled eggs (pre-peeled) and beef/turkey jerky (no sugar/no nitrates) to keep blood sugar stable and the central nervous system calm. Poshi also makes delicious veggie snacks that are marinated and conveniently packaged. Remember, dividing up your snack in advance or purchasing single serving packages will prevent “over snacking”.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
How many times has your coach told you not to skip breakfast? A satisfying breakfast will give you the fuel to keep you energized and focused during your travels. You may not even need the snacks.
Eat Your Veggies
Vacation is no time to skip veggies. The fiber will help with hydration and will keep you regular. Commit to eating veggies with every meal, even when you’re ordering out.
Make a Plan
Just like you do at home when on-program, set yourself up for success by looking at menus ahead of time. Discover restaurants with nutritious options and scope out a nearby grocery store so you can also enjoy healthy meals and snacks at home.
Move Your Body
Stay active. Whether you’re in a city, at the beach or somewhere in nature, take the time to explore your surroundings. Walking is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your body and mind.
Relax
Take time to rest, relax and disconnect – you’ve earned it. While it’s important to be active, be mindful of not over scheduling. Watch the alcohol and get good sleep so you can recharge and return home feeling energized.