Are you planning your next trip and feel overwhelmed that you may fall off the wagon when it comes to staying healthy? I got you. Travelling is one of those things I think most of us enjoy doing. But, for some reason, it can be tempting to be out of the game with your nutrition. However, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re travelling for work or vacation, there are easy ways in which you can stay fit and healthy, while enjoying. Today, I’ll share my best secrets to travel guilt free. Keep reading on how to eat healthy while travelling easily.
Embrace intuitive eating
I can’t stress this enough. Intuitive eating is one of those things that changed my healthy eating lifestyle. As simple as just being mindful, while savoring every bite, has helped me to enjoy food as a whole. Intuitive eating is not about food rules, it’s about nourishing your body while enjoying the experience. When you practice intuitive eating, you learn how to listen to your body. Tuning into your hunger and fullness signals is one of the best ways to eat according to your body’s needs.
Read more: Intuitive eating to get in shape! The ultimate approach that works!
When you get a chance,try homemade food
I know this may sound like a challenge to you, especially if you’re staying at a hotel or travelling abroad. But, hey, it actually shouldn’t be.There are smart ways in which you can try some homemade food. There are restaurants that may offer homemade type cuisine. Also, if you get invited over to a friend or relative’s place, you have good chances of trying homemade food. I personally love the idea of air b and b’s, they are very affordable and offer accomodation with a kitchen. Homemade food usually is more nutritious and safer, therefore, it’s one of the smart ways to eat healthy while travelling.
How to eat healthy while travelling: Eat local
I also love the idea of eating local. This works, especially when you’re travelling abroad. More than just keeping a healthy nutrition, eating another country’s local cuisine is a way to enhance that food experience. I mean, if you travel to the caribbean, for example, you don’t want to miss that spicy, delicious jerk chicken!
Balance is key! Get enough quality protein in the morning
When you are aiming to eat healthy while travelling, one of the key steps is getting enough protein on your first meal. Breakfast should be packed with quality protein, healthy fats and fiber. This is crucial to keep a good appetite throughout the day and avoid unnecessary cravings.
Read more: 40 high protein low-calorie snacks that beat cravings
How to eat healthy while travelling:Take healthy snacks with you
Whether you’re on a road trip or travelling on a plane, consider taking quality snacks with you. Besides being inexpensive, these will help you with your health goals. Apart from that, healthy snacking will avoid you getting hungry, especially during long trips. Some of my favorites are whole fruits, nuts, rice cakes and peanut butter, hummus, homemade granola, and yogurt.
Don’t forget your fruits and veggies
This may sound like a no-brainer, but you can easily forget your fruits when you’re travelling. If you’re on a road trip, you can prep them or take whole fruits with you in your car. If you’re out abroad, you can shop at a local grocery store and keep them for the day. Most hotels offer fruits in the morning, and you should order balanced meals that include veggies.
Stay hydrated is key on how to eat healthy while travelling
Another essential on how to eat healthy while travelling is staying hydrated. Drinking enough water during the day, especially during summertime, is the key to avoid you being dehydrated and prevent overeating junk. I usually keep water bottles with me the entire day.
How to eat healthy while travelling:Ditch the dieting mindset
I will keep preaching on this all the time! Eating in a balanced way that feels freeing without guilt is the ultimate success in your wellness journey. This is how to eat healthy while travelling, just embracing a variety of foods that will nourish your body, without thinking about depriving yourself.
Read more: How a healthy mindset can boost a healthy weight
Stick to your eating habits as much as you can
Staying away from home for a while doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of your eating regimen. As a matter of fact, this is the time to stick to nourishing meals, as much as you can. For example, I usually eat my regular breakfast, pack my snacks with me when I can, and usually enjoy dining out.
Also, taking your vitamins with you when travelling is essential to stay on top of the game. For instance, I usually carry my multivitamins, to make sure that I take them between meals. The best thing about taking your supplements with you is that you can still maintain your healthy regimen, they don’t require much effort, and you can simply add to your shopping essentials list. I am currently taking my Whole Food Women’s Multivitamin, which is great to help boost your metabolism and immune support. What I love about this supplement is that it’s completely plant based, natural and free of artificial preservatives. If you’re looking for some good women’s health vitamins, try this brand, from the Vitamin Shoppe. You’ll get a 10% discount by accessing the site here.
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Embrace balanced eating and enjoying without guilt
Because there is so much more to food than just nutrition value, indulging now and then is part of a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing more pleasurable than to travel and experience different flavors, and learn about new food.That’s why you know how to eat well, right?
Read more: Embracing flexible eating for fitness/ mental health
How to eat healthy while travelling: Plan ahead of time
I know planning can seem like a difficult thing to do when you’re travelling, but trust me, it’s a life saver. Just as you plan your trips, what you will wear, etc, planning your meals should also be included. This will make it so much easier for you when trying to save money. As well, doing this will help you make better food decisions.
Another tip on how to eat healthy while travelling is setting a food budget
In the same line with planning, you need to set a budget for foods. Because you don’t want to make any last minute poor decisions, you want to budget for an estimate of food costs. This works really well for me when I’m travelling abroad. What helps is always doing research or asking friends. I usually recommend this for when you’re travelling on a budget or when dining out. This is a huge time saver and helps you enjoy it better.
When dining out, explore different options
A good tip on how to eat healthy while travelling is to try different alternatives. Menus can be so variable, but at least you want to make sure that you’re eating balanced dishes. A typical meal for me must be tasty,but should also have at least protein. Most restaurants don’t have a problem with this,and usually have healthy entrees or side dishes that are veggies. My favorites are steamed veggies, salads, baked or mashed potatoes, to give you a few examples.
Read more: Healthy eating on vacation: How to enjoy food without guilt
Look for healthy alternative side dishes
Most food places have options. So, just explore and ask! The thing I love about travelling is that now you can find restaurants with a variety of menus. You don’t have to eat the same boring stuff all the time! Besides that, you can choose healthy side dishes or try other options. For example, why not go for a whole grain pasta or vegan burger?
Alcohol in moderation, but don’t starve before going out for drinks
When going out for drinks, don’t make the mistake of starving yourself all day! I know you may be tempted to eat less during the day, in order to save for later. But, trust me, this is the worst thing you can do, as it can make you overdrink and eat garbage the next day. The best thing is to eat your regular meals throughout the day and stay hydrated.
Check prices before shopping or dining out
This is another basic about how to eat healthy when travelling. If you want to save money, take advantage of different locations and prices. I usually go around while I’m out and about for food options. Of course, it all depends on your likes and your needs, but you get the point.
How to eat healthy while travelling: Look for healthy food locations
Now, there are more options to have healthy meals while you’re out and about. Are you anxious to try that new shrimp dish? Or, maybe you want to try that vegan menu. There are many new alternatives out there, it’s just a matter of trying and exploring.
Read more: Eat smart for weight loss
Get in some movement!
As always, getting active is one of the main things to do to stay fit and healthy. Even if you’re travelling, getting some movement is important for your body. Don’t get too worried if you can’t squeeze in a full body routine, but at least, aim to do a 30 minute activity. If your schedule is tight when travelling, go for a walk, do some squats or even explore the city walking. Believe me, you may end up tired with this last one, but you’ll have fun and it’s so worth it!
Focus also on leisure time
Leisure time is part of travelling, isn’t it right? Well, the truth is, there is so much more than just thinking about food. Take your mind off just eating. You also want to know places, share with people, learn new things. In other words, it’s all about spending quality time when you’re away from home.
Take your time! Rest is essential
I always recommend taking it one step at a time. Maybe you think that resting while travelling is a challenge, but you don’t have to be tired everyday. I take some rest in between just for my own sanity, and to reconnect, even when I’m out. When you don’t have proper rest, it is more likely that you end up with more cravings than usual or overeating. One thing I do when I’m travelling, is often take just one day for relaxation.There are many things you can do to unplug or simply rest.
Finally,
Staying healthy while travelling is easier than you thought. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you just have to explore different alternatives, get prepared and stick to your eating habits. As well,having a healthy relationship with food is key to enjoy your travel to the max without having anxiety and weight gain. Do you struggle to find healthy food options when you’re travelling? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Sharing is caring!
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