If you are at all like me, you love summer travel, or all travel for that matter. Especially with the stay-at-home orders and challenges we faced last summer! So many people have worked so hard to cultivate healthier eating habits, and even lose a few pounds, yet they fear blowing it while going on vacation. Well, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Yes, you can travel while indulging every now and then without derailing all the success you’ve achieved. Whether you are headed out of town for several days or a couple of weeks, here are some tips to try.
- Don’t diet.
This is a time to think maintenance and stop worrying about every morsel that goes into your mouth. Truth be told, enjoying your favorite cuisine while traveling (yes, when in Rome, enjoy pasta!) or enjoying a sweet treat every now and then is not only ok but is what I recommend to my clients. Just don’t overdo it and try spacing out your favorite indulgences. As always, practice portion control! And ditch the restrictive diets.
- Lace up those sneakers or put on your swim goggles.
While traveling, I always bring my sneakers and my swim goggles. And truth be told, I generally only stay at hotels with a swimming pool as I love to swim. Exercise is good for you— it is good for your health, helps keep your weight in check, improves your mood, and may even help with sleep.
- Pack healthy snacks (for the plane, train, car, or wherever you are going.)
People who know me well know that I always have a healthy snack stash in my bag. Being at the mercy of what is available at the airport or train station is never the best option when you have a choice. Pack along some healthy snacks to avoid being hungry while on the go. Healthy travel snacks include nuts and seeds, dry roasted chick peas and edamame, single-serve packets of nut butter, rice cakes, and whole grain crackers. And bring along an apple and baby carrots which can travel well for the plane. Also pack a water bottle so that you can refill it regularly and stay hydrated.
- Include a salad each day.
Think fresh and think veggies! While enjoying the cuisine at your travel destination, include a salad with assorted vegetables. Aim to get ample produce while traveling. Think color. And if you are offered a veggie you haven’t tried before, give it a try. You may enjoy it.
- Enjoy protein in the morning.
What you eat in the morning can help set you up for a healthy day. Including some protein early in the day will help keep you full for several hours. My top picks are yogurt, nut butter, or eggs. Add fruit and/or whole grain toast for a boost of fiber. If you don’t eat first thing in the morning, it’s ok to enjoy these foods mid morning.
Bon voyage! Enjoy your trip.
Feel free to drop me a line and share your favorite healthy travel tip! I love learning new tricks.
PS: Here’s a handy cheat sheet to keep as a reminder:
Recipe of the week: chia seed pudding