Healthy Eating Tips While Traveling

Eating healthy while traveling is important for maintaining good health, preventing the accumulation of extra pounds, staying active throughout your journey and avoiding unexpected illnesses. Healthy foods may not be readily available, but a little preparation and careful effort before the trip can save you from unhealthy foods.

Travel can make it harder for you to eat well. Your options for healthy, nutritious food may be limited. By planning ahead, you can eat well while away from home.

Here are some healthy eating tips while traveling:

• Get your day off to a good start

Eat a healthy breakfast. Healthy eating will give you the energy you need to start your day. During the buffet, look for oatmeal, fruit and protein (eggs and lean meat). Most coffee shops also offer oatmeal. Skip baked goods like muffins and pastries!

• If fast food is your only option, at least order carefully

Remember two things: McDonald’s has cut apples on its menu. If fast food is your only option, at least be a little careful. Try to find out if they serve any healthy items, if not at least order the least unhealthy ones.

• Plan your food

Make a list of healthy food items that you can easily find and purchase during travel. Household items are always healthier than fast food, so if you can take with you some foods that is best. However, if you’re traveling by plane make sure you abide by the rules and note the maximum amount of liquid you can take on the flight.

• Talk to the locals

Ask around. Most people travel and do not set foot outside their hotel. There may be many healthy and affordable small-town restaurants nearby, which may not be registered on Yelp or Google. You can unearth these buried treasures if you care to ask around some local guys.

Find the guy who manages the gas station counter, or ask some random guy on the street. Once you’ve explained what you’re looking for, people are usually happy to make recommendations.

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated will help you feel more energized while traveling. If you are traveling in a warmer climate or usually on foot, you will need to drink more fluids to stay hydrated.

You can carry an empty, refillable water bottle with you. Flying can make you dehydrated, so it is another reason to drink more fluids, specially plain simple water. When flying, avoid meals with plenty of salt (sodium) and alcoholic beverages as both can contribute to dehydration.