Traveling is a great way to break free from your normal routine and soak in new experiences but it doesn’t mean you should abandon all of your usual behavior, especially when it comes to healthy eating. When traveling, most of us give ourselves a “hall pass” to indulge but if eating healthy is important to you, there’s no reason that you can’t make it a priority on the road. While eating healthy on-the-go can be a challenge, it’s certainly not impossible. With a little bit of planning and a lot of self-control, you can maintain your healthy lifestyle even in the most unlikely circumstances. Still not convinced you can pull it off? Here are 5 quick and delicious tips for eating healthy on the road.
Give Yourself Options
When committing to eating healthily, half the battle is deciding where to eat. Try to avoid the obvious “bad” spots, such as fast food joints or gas stations. If you avoid those altogether, you won’t be limited to unhealthy options. Do yourself a favor and stop at a grocery store with more options. Airports can be quite tempting with their food courts and bars but there are always healthy options available, even if you’re in a rush! Compromises might need to be made (especially if you’re in jeopardy of missing your flight) but try to take advantage of the times you can afford to seek out a healthy option. Fortunately, airplane food has come a long way. Gone are the days of only being able to choose between pretzels and peanuts. Make sure to browse the airline menu before accepting your unhealthy fate. A well-balanced protein box is a yummy and guilt-free treat that will make your time in the sky more enjoyable.
Pack Snacks
Traveling can be exciting but also unpredictable. There are often unforeseen delays and setbacks, which can disrupt your eating routine. When we’re starving and desperate, that’s when we tend to make our worst food decisions. By packing some healthy options, you’ll ensure you always have access to food and are eating at regular intervals. Not sure what qualifies as a healthy snack? The following foods are excellent sources of nutrition: fruit, trail mix, protein bars, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and guacamole. If you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a fairly healthy treat to help satisfy your cravings.
Drink Water
We all know the importance of drinking water and yet so many of us still have a hard time accepting its magical powers. Water is excellent for your digestive system, energy levels, and can also help improve your skin. Not to mention, it can even “trick” your body into thinking it’s full, helping you avoid those intense cravings. It might seem obvious but make sure to pack a quality water bottle so that you’re always able to fill up and stay hydrated on the road. Here is a list of the best water bottles out there to ensure you’re always consuming H2O on-the-go.
Practice Moderation
Everybody has a moment of weakness, so there’s no need to beat yourself up over it. Let’s face it, we all need a “cheat day” here and there to keep our sanity. The key is not to use your slip up as an excuse to abandon your healthy habits. Feel free to indulge once in a while but then get back on track with your usual routine. This philosophy applies to alcohol too. Whether you’re entertaining clients or passing time at the hotel bar, it’s important to be mindful of your intake. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to other unhealthy decisions, like ordering the least healthy item off the menu. If you slip up, don’t be discouraged. Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh chance to start over!
Do Your Research
Doing your research in advance is a sure way to set yourself up for success. Try to book your hotel near a few healthy restaurants or at least map out where you can find a well-balanced meal. If you can swing it, book a room with a mini fridge so you can access healthy snacks at your fingertips. If you’re heading to a restaurant, check out the menu in advance and try to commit to a healthy choice. It will be more difficult to deviate if you already decide on your selection.
While a well-balanced diet is critical to a healthy lifestyle, it’s not the only consideration for staying in shape while traveling. Exercising and staying active is just as important for your health goals. Here are some additional tips for staying in shape while traveling. Many travelers are too overwhelmed to even try eating healthy on the road but it’s totally doable. Just follow these 5 simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to living your best life.
