Traveling soon? Perhaps a long-awaited vacation? Business trip? Something completely different?
No matter where you’re going, you’re probably going to appreciate some quick and easy healthy food ideas. These can help you stay on track and help you bring, and find real food. While these tips can all be used at home too, this is extra-important when you’re traveling. Traveling can throw your regular healthy habits off when you’re skipping time zones or even just being in a different place.
As a health coach, I have really seen the value for clients who skip junky convenience foods. You will feel so much better both physically and emotionally (no guilt!). Let me give you some great strategies that can help you do this while you’re “on the road.”
Pro Tip: When booking your hotel room, ask if you can have one with a mini-fridge. This will help you store some of your healthy snacks and groceries while you’re there.
BRINGING YOUR OWN HEALTHY SNACKS
Well, this is important because not only will it keep you from becoming a “hangry junk-seeker,” but it can also hold you off until you’re able to stop at a proper grocery store for say…actual real food!
Here are a bunch of my favorite on-the-go snacks to have on hand in your bag and/or cooler:
● If you’re going to have a cooler, or eat them within a couple of hours, try fresh fruit or boiled eggs (don’t forget the ice packs).
● Unsalted nuts and seeds (I love walnuts and pumpkin seeds myself).
● Dried or freeze-dried fruit. Or durable fruit like an apple.
● Kind Bars or Organic Bars of your choice. I love using this protein powder mix (https://amzn.to/2zwqeoK) to make the bars on the back of the package. YUM YUM YUM and we are really picky!
● Sliced veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, etc.) with a dip (hummus, guacamole, salad dressing, etc.). You can even buy single-serving packs at Costco and other stores. I also love the individual packs of guacamole.
● Good quality granola cereal (The brand Purely Elizabeth is one good option)
● Savory snacks like roasted chickpeas.
● Beef or turkey jerky – look for grass fed or pasture raised. Trader Joe’s has an awesome beef jerky called Chomps.
● High-quality protein powder to make your own smoothies (I like Sun Warrior or Organifi or Ancient Nutrition by Dr. Josh Axe). Be sure to also pack a mini blender, like a Magic Bullet, if needed.
● And don’t forget your drinks. Bring some water with you. Or if you’re flying, choose water in the airport and on the plane. I love doing electrolyte water to replace essential minerals – I feel SO much better and it’s a healthy option over gatorade.
HOW TO FIND HEALTHY FOOD AT YOUR DESTINATION
Of course, you can always Google your destination and search for grocery stores or healthy restaurants. But there are a couple of websites and apps that may be helpful for you.
● FindMeGlutenFree – A website that searches for gluten-free restaurants around the US.
● HealthyOut – An app that helps you find restaurants that cater to your dietary preferences, be they gluten-free, lactose-free, low-calorie, low-carb, etc.
● Food Tripping – Designed for road trips, this app helps you find alternatives to fast food.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Travelling often comes with unnecessary junk food that can derail your healthy lifestyle. I don’t want you to be stressed out over food but I also don’t want you to feel gross because you’ve gone totally off track either. Planning ahead and being prepared can be simple, and help keep your health goals on track even when you’re out and about!
REFERENCES
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/travel-friendly-nutrition-tips
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-eating-on-the-go
https://authoritynutrition.com/22-healthy-foods-that-dont-spoil/
https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/
https://mobile.healthyout.com/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jacobsmedia.foodtrip
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/food-tripping/id633720942?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
