Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging to eat healthily. It can be hard to find healthy food options when you’re on the go, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Here are a few tips for eating right while traveling:
Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to eat healthy while traveling is to plan. Pack some healthy snacks and meals if you know you’ll be on the road for a few days. This way, you won’t have to rely on fast food or vending machines for your meals. Here are a few ideas of healthy foods you can pack with you:
- Fruit and veggies
- Whole grain crackers or bread
- Healthy snacks, such as granola bars or trail mix
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein, such as hard-boiled eggs or turkey breast
Research Healthy Restaurants
If you’re going to be in one place for a while, do some research ahead of time and find some healthy restaurants in the area. This way, you won’t have to settle for unhealthy options. Try to find restaurants that offer fresh, whole foods.
Find a good lunch restaurant with a variety of salads, sandwiches, and soups. For dinner, look for a place that serves grilled or baked fish or chicken, whole grain pasta or rice, and steamed vegetables. You can also ask the hotel staff for recommendations on healthy restaurants in the area. These are typically places that they would recommend to their own families.
Make Smart Choices When Eating Out
While it’s not always possible to find a healthy restaurant, there are ways to make healthier choices when you’re eating out. When ordering your food, avoid anything that’s fried, creamy, or covered in cheese. These items tend to be high in calories and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose grilled or baked items, which are typically lower in fat. When it comes to sides, opt for a salad or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.
And, if you’re still feeling hungry after your meal, skip the dessert and order a cup of herbal tea instead. You can also ask for a to-go box and save half of your meal for later. This way, you won’t be tempted to overeat.
Drink Plenty of Water
With all the excitement of traveling, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. But staying hydrated is important for your health, especially when you’re on the go. Carry a water bottle with you, and make sure to drink throughout the day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding some citrus slices or mint leaves to give it flavor.
You can also drink herbal tea or coffee, but limit yourself to one or two cups a day. Also, stay away from sugary beverages like soda and fruit juices, as they might add unnecessary calories to your diet. So, when you’re traveling, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy.
Keep Up with Your Exercise Routine
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to give up your exercise routine. If you’re staying in a hotel, see if they have a gym or pool that you can use. Or, you can go for a run or walk outside. If you’re short on time, try doing a quick workout in your hotel room. There are plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do, such as push-ups, squats, and crunches.
You can also pack a jump rope or resistance bands to help you stay active while you’re traveling. And, if you’re going on a longer trip, consider bringing your bike or hiking gear so you can explore the area while getting some exercise.
Get Plenty of Sleep
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s important to get enough sleep. The average adult need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. But when you’re on the go, it can be tough to stick to your regular sleep schedule. If possible, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
You can also create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep. This might include reading a book, taking a bath, or stretching. And, make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These can interfere with your sleep and make it harder to get the rest you need.
These are a few tips for eating right and staying healthy while traveling. With a little planning, you can make healthy choices no matter where you go. So, enjoy your trip and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
