I'm the first one to tell you, it takes some planning.
Healthy eating and traveling do not go together without some forethought. But
it can be done, and with less inconvenience than you might think. Here's a few tips for eating healthy while on the road.
Have an itinerary. All trips have some sort of plan. So get
with your co-planner(s) and decide what that might look like. It doesn't have
to be set in stone, but you need to have some idea what your needs might be. If
it is a day trip, you can pack snacks and healthy fare in a cooler. If it is
more than that, you'll need to evaluate what’s available at your destination
and also what you will need on the way.
Do your research. Again, this doesn't have to be locked down
with no wiggle room, but get familiar with the restaurants, fast food options,
and grocery stores in the area you are traveling to. Is there a great
convenience store chain in the area, like Wawa or Sheetz? What sort of
restaurants and fast nibbles do your traveling companions enjoy? If you have
children with you, what are their preferences and/or food allergies? Remember
that every town has a grocery store, and sandwich meat, salad fixings, and
fruit go a long way to creating a meal.
Be flexible. We live in a country with a plethora of food
choices. Perhaps you had your heart set on a burrito bowl at Chipotle, but the
gang voted for Applebee’s? There are plenty of choices at either for the health
conscious, so don't be disheartened. And who knows – maybe you'll discover a
new favorite along the way!
Make wise choices. Eating out is rarely the ideal when it
comes to food quality and preparation. The exceptions are the rare mom-and-pop restaurants
and farm-to-table dining experiences that are becoming popular. If you have
food intolerances to contend with, ask for that menu, and let your waiter know
what your issues are in clear terms. Ask to speak to the chef, if the
restaurant doesn't have an allergen-friendly menu. Look for foods that make
sense for your needs: Are you avoiding fried foods? Aiming for more vegetables
and less starch? Do you need to be dairy-free? Ask questions of your server or
food preparation staff member to be sure you get what you are seeking.
Traveling while eating healthy doesn't have to be a chore!
You can have fun with it, enjoy some rare indulgences, and return home and back
to your routine in no time. Routines are
mindsets – when you adopt them as part of your lifestyle, taking a day off here
and there is no big deal.
Let us know what methods you use to maintain health while
you travel. Any favorite tips that have gotten through some odd situations?
Share in the comments below!
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