Travel can be devastating for diets! Eating healthy while traveling presents several challenges that include not having access to your own stocked kitchen, being out of your routine, convenience foods, and temptations everywhere. And even if you do make seemingly healthy selections, they could be loaded with hidden fat, sugar, and/or salt.
The keys to eating healthy while traveling are having a plan, and keeping yourself from getting too hungry or bored. Know what foods and situations get you into trouble and be prepared with a plan in the event you find yourself in those situations. Following are a few tips that can help you stay on track with your healthy eating plan.
The keys to eating healthy while traveling are having a plan, and keeping yourself from getting too hungry or bored. Know what foods and situations get you into trouble and be prepared with a plan in the event you find yourself in those situations. Following are a few tips that can help you stay on track with your healthy eating plan.
- Find a grocery store that’s close to your hotel and once there, visit the grocery store and stock up your hotel room with plenty of good foods to eat. Buy foods that are simple and keep well, including fresh fruit that doesn't need to be cut up (unless you have access to a kitchen or kitchenette), pre-cut veggies, whole-grain bread, and nuts (walnuts are best). Then fill up on some of these healthy foods before you leave your room and take some of the food along with you to have as snacks when you’re out and about to prevent yourself from getting too hungry and eating everything in sight or eating the wrong foods.
- For breakfast, order plain oatmeal and add your own nuts to make an extra filling breakfast. Request soy- or nut-milk. Most restaurants have non-dairy milk available.
- If you go to any buffets, make a big salad for your first plate – load it up with fresh veggies and nuts or seeds. Skip the cheese, bacon, creamy dressings, and pre-mixed salads bathing in fatty dressings. Use vinegar and oil (sparingly on the oil) or a pre-made vinaigrette (also use sparingly). Eat everything on this plate before going back for anything else. Then you will find it much easier to make healthier choices. If you still have room for dessert, load up a plate with fresh fruit.
- Plan your day and have plenty of things lined up that you like to do in case you experience any down time. Plan sight-seeing and seek out healthier restaurants nearby ahead of time. If you prefer to relax, bring a book or go see a movie or show. Don’t allow yourself to get hungry and bored.
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