One of the best parts of traveling is trying and savoring all kinds of new and delicious foods, whether you’re driving across the state or flying around the world. And it’s definitely fun to let loose and eat things you wouldn’t normally eat for a week at home, that’s part of the freedom and excitement of being on vacation!
But we all know the feeling when we’ve had too much for too many days in a row: the complete lack of energy, the bloating, the dehydration, the headaches or hangovers, the jet lag, the increased susceptibility to getting sick. All of these things can really get in the way of maximizing the enjoyment of your trip. And if you’re someone with food restrictions, you know the added frustration of trying to find good foods that are also good for you!
The good news is that it’s easier than ever to choose the types of foods that will keep you healthy and energized while you’re away from your usual routine. Here are some simple ways to eat well while enjoying the highlights of your trip:
- Plan ahead. Often when we travel we get out of the rut and don’t eat at regular intervals. Sometimes we can go several hours without eating anything.
Contrary to the popular myth that you should refrain from eating to “save room” for a big meal, going long periods without eating actually slows down your metabolism and causes your body to become sluggish and tired and hang on to calories. Our bodies experience these periods as “mini-famines” and send our brains into panic mode. To keep your blood sugar stable and avoid energy lapses (which can later lead to overcompensation with fried or high-sugar foods), try to eat a little bit every two hours while in transit and while out and about. home, in the form of nutrient-dense foods rich in lean protein. Pack easy-to-reach snacks: nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, firm fruits (like apples), vegetables, and hummus, or natural fruit and nut bars.
If you know where you are staying, look for restaurants in the area of your hotel. Check with your hotel or resort to review the menus and see what is available. Once you arrive, you can use an app like AroundMe to locate healthier restaurants in your area. And check out these smartphone apps that can help you find options free of gluten and other allergens on the go.
- Don’t forget the grocery store! A supermarket, and especially a local cooperative, can be your best ally while you travel. You’ll have easy and affordable access to fresh produce and healthy snacks in bulk. You’ll find a wider variety of great foods that are free of gluten, dairy, and other common allergens at a reasonable cost. In addition, many co-ops also have a deli where you can get delicious sandwiches, salads, or burritos to go during the day.
- Your mother was right: get your vegetables and take your vitamins. While traveling, her immune system is exposed to tons of new pathogens, especially on airplanes and other public transportation. She wants to make sure her body has what it needs to stay healthy and fight germs and process toxins. Don’t forget to pack your multivitamin and other supplements! If you can’t get access to fresh vegetables, consider buying some powdered greens that you can take with you and mix easily into a glass of water or a morning smoothie.
- Speaking of morning smoothies… if you’re really into getting your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, you might even consider bringing a travel blender. This may seem extreme to some, but consider this: Most of them are under $20, fit easily into a suitcase or the back of the car, and may be just what you need to quickly whip up a power breakfast of fruit, nuts, and nuts. and vegetables that will keep you going all morning.
- Drink a lot more water than you normally do. Airplanes and hotel rooms are notoriously dry. Walking all day wastes energy and dehydrates. People often drink alcohol or soft drinks with meals, which are also dehydrating. Drinking more than the usual 8 glasses of water a day will keep you energized, hydrate your cells, keep your skin glowing, and help flush out toxins.
- Drink less alcohol than everyone else around you is drinking. This can be a challenge, especially on business trips, where drinking is a family hobby. But in addition to worsening dehydration and jet lag, drinking more than two drinks leads to unhealthy eating. (A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men take in an average of 433 extra calories from alcohol and food when they have more than two drinks!)
- Try to rest your eight hours of beauty. Easier said than done, I know! But getting decent rest helps stabilize your metabolism, resets your adrenal system, and boosts your immunity. Being sufficiently rested will make any other choices you face on your vacation that much easier.
- Try the “one and done” rule. Allow yourself to have treats and enjoy them, just keep it once a day. Get that beautiful piece of chocolate cake. Ask for an extra helping of fried steak. Order what is happily drizzled with butter and enjoy every bite. And then, finish off the least-than-healthy meal for that day. There is always more.
However you decide to plan your meals on your trip, we’d love to help you get there! As your travel agent, we can offer you advice on transportation, accommodation, entertainment and much more.