Hi there! Today, I want to discuss eating healthy while traveling. With Spring Break right around the corner, it’s time to recognize these simple practices before we take our trip.

Making food choices that support your goals is hard enough when you’re home and can control what and when you eat.

But eating healthy when you’re traveling is even more challenging. A delayed flight could leave you hungry in an airport with limited meal choices or a long road trip might mean miles of fast-food options. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!

 

For more information on eating healthy, please check out Scripps Health. They have great information on this topic. Here is a Link to their website.

 

Eating Healthy 101: Don’t over Complicate it.

 

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when eating healthy while traveling is not having control over when you eat.

I always tell my wife Dawna, “Hangry” is a real emotion. To manage this on a trip, I recommend packing snacks.

These snacks can include whole or dried fruit, nuts, or granola bars.

Many brands offer small snack pack-sized nut butters, hummus, apple sauce, or other foods that don’t require any refrigeration. Again, let’s not over complicate it. Find the things you like and run with it.

 

Utilize that Ice Chest

On a road trip, bringing an ice chest with you full of healthy meal options can be a great alternative.

Even just planning a few pre-made meals along the way versus eating everything from a restaurant can make a big difference.

 

Protein is a Must

First and foremost, protein keeps you full.

This can ward off hunger while traveling. If you can center around protein plus fruits and veggies, then you create yourself a buffer around the other food.

Here are some easy options to assemble or find wherever you go:

One cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, one piece of fruit, and a single serve pack of nut butter or seed butter.

Three low-fat string cheeses, one serving whole grain crackers, and one piece of fruit.

Four slices of turkey breast, one low fat string cheese, one serving whole grain crackers, and raw veggies.

Sandwiches made with two slices of whole grain bread, four slices of deli turkey, one low-fat string cheese, and a side of raw veggies.

 

Have a Restaurant Plan

 

I get asked this all the time. What about eating out?

Well, I am not saying not to enjoy your favorite kinds of food, but to be more self-aware.

Traveling usually involves eating out more frequently than you normally do.

I like to think it’s still possible to eat healthy when dining out, though, as long as you know what to order.

You can always find a salad with lean protein, such as grilled chicken anywhere.

Also, because restaurant portions tend to be large, there is nothing wrong with leftovers.

Portion control is always on my mind while traveling, and there is a time and place to splurge in my honest opinion.

 

Eat Mindfully

We can be mindful of our hunger levels.
When you sit down at the table, pause and think: On a scale of one to 10, how hungry am I?”
“Put a number to that hunger, and let that inform your eating even if you don’t have control over the food options themselves.
This strategy allows you to enjoy cocktails or restaurant meals that you’ve been looking forward to, while balancing that out with nutritious options the rest of the time.

Don’t Skip Breakfast 

You should always try to have breakfast before you start a day on the road, whether you’re traveling by plane, train, boat, or automobile.

That way, you won’t have to resort to whatever breakfast foods the airport or train station is selling—which might not appeal to you or might not be that satisfying.

Plus, a nutritious breakfast will keep you energized and sated, which will ensure you’re ready to take on the day’s travels.

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that will wrap things up for today. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Eating healthy while traveling shouldn’t be daunting. It should be an enjoyable experience. With proper planning and being aware of portion control, you can avoid the pitfalls of letting your diet slip while on vacation. Please share your eating healthy habits while traveling in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT