Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience but can also throw off your usual healthy eating habits. Whether you’re on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or staying in a hotel, it can be challenging to find healthy food options. However, with some planning and helpful tips and tricks, you can maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Here are our tips and tricks on how to eat healthy while traveling so you can enjoy your trip without sacrificing your health.
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Why Is Eating Healthy While Traveling Important?
Avoiding Unhealthy Snacks
When traveling, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy snacks like chips, candy, and fast food. These options, overall, may be convenient, but they are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Consuming these snacks can leave you feeling sluggish and negatively impact your overall health.
To help keep our eating habits on the healthier side when traveling, we enjoy staying at hotels that offer kitchenettes, so we can have the option to make some of our meals if not all of them.
If we don’t make our meals, we look for restaurants focusing more on lean proteins, vegetables, and wholegrain options.
I know what you’re thinking; it sounds boring, and sometimes it’s not always an option, but the mother in me feels that with a bit of planning ahead, it’s an everyday routine.
Maintaining Energy Levels
Traveling can be exhausting, and it’s essential to maintain your energy levels to make the most of your trip. Eating healthy and well-balanced meals can provide the necessary nutrients and energy to keep you going throughout the day. Believe me, when walking in Disneyland Park or California Adventure Park, you need the power for the 10k-plus steps you’ll be walking.
Supporting Your Immune System
Traveling can expose you to new environments and germs, making it crucial to support your immune system. Eating healthy foods can give your body the vitamins and minerals needed to fight off potential illnesses.
Tips for Eating Healthy While Traveling
Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to ensure you have healthy food options while traveling is to plan. Research the area you’ll visit and look for healthy restaurants or grocery stores nearby. You can also pack some healthy snacks and meals to bring with you, such as fruits, nuts, and sandwiches.
Choose Healthy Options at Restaurants
When eating out, it’s essential to make healthy choices. As I mentioned, look for dishes that include lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid fried foods and choose grilled, baked, or steamed options. You can also ask for dressings and sauces on the side to control the amount you consume. Many places now offer better food selections to cater to everyone’s food option goals.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, especially while traveling. Please bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. This will save you money, help you avoid sugary drinks, and stay hydrated. We like to bring our Stanley Cups or HydroFlask, fill it with water, and add a packet of Liquid I.V.
Pack Healthy Snacks For Eating Healthy While Traveling
Healthy snacks can prevent you from reaching for unhealthy options when hunger strikes. Pack fruits, nuts, granola bars, or other healthy snacks for your trip. These snacks are easy to pack and provide the energy and nutrients to keep you going.
Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals can lead to overeating and making unhealthy food choices later on. Even on a tight schedule, try to make time for regular meals. Pack healthy snacks between meals if you know you’ll be on the go.
Eating Healthy While Traveling By Choosing Whole Foods
When possible, opt for whole foods over processed ones. Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are packed with essential nutrients and can help you maintain a healthy diet while traveling. You can also look for local markets or grocery stores to purchase fresh produce and whole foods.
Eat Healthy While Traveling By Being Mindful of Portions
It’s easy to overeat while traveling, especially when trying new and exciting foods. Be mindful of your portions and try to stick to reasonable serving sizes. You can also share meals with your family or travel companions to avoid overeating.
Healthy Food Options for Different Types of Travel
Road Trip
Road trips can be a fun and adventurous way to travel, but they can also make it challenging to find healthy food options.
Instead of relying on fast food and gas station snacks, pack a cooler with healthy options like sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables.
You can also stop at grocery stores to stock up on healthy snacks.
These are great ideas on how to eat healthy while traveling.
Air Travel
Finding healthy food options at the airport or on the plane can be challenging when flying.
To avoid unhealthy snacks and meals, pack some healthy snacks to bring with you.
You can also look for healthier options at the airport, such as salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit.
Hotel Stays – Hotels Offer More Ways To Eat Healthy While Traveling
Many hotels offer complimentary breakfasts, but these options are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Instead of indulging in pastries and sugary cereals, choose healthier options like oatmeal, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
You can also ask the hotel staff for recommendations on healthy restaurants nearby.
How To Eat Healthy While Traveling Food Ideas
Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are easy to pack and can be a healthy and filling meal option while traveling. For a well-balanced meal, you can fill them with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.
Salads
Salads are an excellent option for a healthy and refreshing meal while traveling.
You can pack a salad in a mason jar or Tupperware to bring with you on the go. Just keep the dressing on the side to avoid a soggy salad.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a convenient and healthy snack option for traveling. You can make your mix with nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Fresh Fruit
Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making for a healthy and refreshing snack while traveling. You can pack some apples, bananas, grapes or berries to bring with you on your trip.
How To Eat Healthy While Traveling Tips and Tricks – In Summary
Eating healthy while traveling may seem challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it’s possible to maintain a healthy diet on the go.
You can enjoy your trip without sacrificing your health by choosing healthy options at restaurants, packing healthy snacks, and being mindful of portions.
Remember to stay hydrated and opt for whole foods whenever possible. With these tips and tricks, you can eat healthy while traveling and make the most of your trip.
Thoughts On Eating Healthy While Traveling –
What tips do you have for eating healthy while traveling?
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HI! WE’RE THE BERGALA’S
Every year, our family sets off on a new adventure, traveling to fun destinations where we learn, grow, and experience new things together. Here at MTA4U, we love sharing our tried-and-true travel experiences to help you plan your next unforgettable vacation.
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