I have many clients that ask me how to maintain a healthy diet while traveling. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, it is easy to fall out of your routine, overeat or just simply make poor choices.
With a little pre-planning, it is not difficult to stay on track. Preparation and mindfulness are the biggest factors in maintaining a healthy diet while away from home.
Here are a few tips:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I cannot say it enough. Whether you are travelling by plane or by car, continually drink water. Water will keep you hydrated and make you feel full for longer periods of time.
- Pack your own snacks and pack a lot of them. This is key. If you jump on a plane hungry, you are bound to make poor choices as you will be stuck in the air for multiple hours. If you have your own snacks handy, you will be all set. Some snacks I like to travel with include: mixed nuts (unsalted) such as cashews, almonds, pepitas, walnuts, apples, carrots, celery, high-quality protein bars, travel hummus, almond butter, roasted chickpeas.
- Avoid fried, high sugar and processed foods. These are going to make you feel crappy. If you desire to have a “cheat food,” plan it out in advance so you are being mindful about what you are going to eat. Take note of how it makes you feel.
- Do your research on restaurants and the destination before you arrive. Are there healthy options? Is there a grocery store nearby? Can you get a mini fridge in your room? Taking a few minutes to plan ahead before you arrive at your destination will be a great way to stay on track.
- If you want a cheat meal, plan it out ahead of time. Don’t cheat at every meal. When you do decide to splurge, take time to enjoy your food and make sure not to beat yourself up about the splurge.
- If you are at a restaurant where nothing on the menu looks good. Feel free to ask your server to make you a side of vegetables with your protein of choice. Most restaurants are very accommodating to special requests.
- Try to move your body everyday. Tour around the city by foot, workout in the hotel gym or find a nearby group class, whatever you choose, just make sure to move your body.
Happy #wildbumming!
Want more? Sign-up for Marnie’s newsletter to get regular tips on diet, exercise, stress reduction, toxin removal, mindset coaching, sleep issues and supplements.
