Traveling can be an enriching experience, but it can also take a toll on your diet. With fast food restaurants and unhealthy snacks around every corner, it’s easy to fall into bad eating habits while away from home. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can stay healthy even when traveling! Start with these 15 healthy-eating travel hacks that will help keep your diet on track wherever life takes you.
Pack Your Snacks
Before you embark on your journey, stock up on healthy snacks. Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and portable protein sources like hard-boiled eggs or jerky are all great options for keeping hunger at bay until you reach your destination. This way, you won’t be tempted to eat unhealthy snacks during your travels.
Eat Before You Fly
If you’re taking a flight, it’s best to eat something before you board. Airport food can be expensive and unhealthy, so having your own meal or snack will help ensure that you have access to nutritious options during your travels.
Choose Restaurants Wisely
When you’re trying to eat healthy while traveling, it can be difficult to find healthy menu options. Before selecting a restaurant, do a bit of research to make sure that it has healthy options available. Look for establishments that serve fresh fruits and vegetables, low-sodium dishes, or other nutritious meals.
Eat Slowly and Savor Each Bite
When you’re eating out, it can be tempting to rush through your meal, but slow down and savor every bite so that you can enjoy the experience of dining out as much as possible. Taking your time to enjoy the food and atmosphere of a restaurant can help you stay mindful about what and how much you’re eating.
Cook Your Meals
If you’re staying in a hotel or apartment for an extended period, consider cooking your meals. Many hotels have kitchenettes with essential cooking tools like a stovetop, microwaves, and refrigerators. Stock up on simple ingredients from the grocery store and create healthy dishes that suit your tastes. This way, you can customize what you eat to stick to your diet.
Pack a Water Bottle
Take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere! Staying hydrated is important for your overall health. Before reaching for snacks or other foods, try drinking some water first. This can help curb your appetite and determine whether you’re actually thirsty or just bored. Also, carrying a reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste.
Bring Your Own Condiments
When eating out, it’s easy to forget the calories in condiments like mayonnaise or ketchup. To keep calorie intake low, bring your healthy condiments with you. Low-calorie options like mustard, salsa, and light salad dressings are all excellent choices for spicing up your food without overindulging.
Take Advantage of Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are an excellent resource for travelers looking to eat healthily. They provide an array of fresh produce, dairy products, and other healthy choices at affordable rates. Stock up on these items to make meals throughout the week or make snacks for in-between meals; this will help you stay within your calorie budget.
Bring Reusable Containers
Another way to stay on track with healthy eating while traveling is to bring reusable containers. This eliminates the need for single-use plastics, which are not only bad for the environment but can also be unhealthy as some of these containers may contain toxins that leach into our food and drinks. Reusable containers also make it easier to transport snacks and meals with you on the go.
Make Smart Fast Food Choices
If fast food is your only option, there are still ways to make healthy choices. Look for grilled items rather than fried ones, and avoid high-fat condiments like mayonnaise. You can also opt for side salads, fruit cups, and yogurt parfaits rather than fries or burgers. While these options may be lower in calories, they are still far from nutritious; try to limit your fast food intake while traveling and opt for healthier alternatives when possible.
Stay Away From Processed Foods
Processed foods are convenient when traveling but can wreak havoc on your health. Many “convenience” meals are high in calories and low in nutritional value. Avoid these items and look for whole-grain bread, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins instead. These foods will promote your health and provide more energy to enjoy your trip!
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to staying healthy while traveling. Pack snacks and meals that you can take with you on the road such as fruits, nuts, sandwiches, and veggies. This will allow you to have nutritious food when you need it instead of relying on fast food or convenience stores.
Pack Your Food in Plastic Bags, Not Foil
Using foil to store food can be unsafe when you’re on the go. Bacteria and other organisms can survive in aluminum foil, which can cause food poisoning if not properly stored. Use plastic bags or containers when packing your snacks and meals.
Use Coconut Oil in Place of Butter
Choose healthier fats like coconut oil instead of butter or margarine when cooking on the road. Coconut oil is packed with medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier for your body to break down and use as energy. Also, coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, with anti-inflammatory benefits that can help strengthen your immune system. With its delicious flavor and advantages, coconut oil is much more beneficial than butter.
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