Eating Healthy While Traveling (and still enjoy it!)

Want to enjoy vacation but not come back with 5 extra pounds?  It’s a challenge in my opinion, but achievable when following a few tips below on eating healthy while traveling that I personally used on a recent trip.

Lunch in peace – major travel perk without children!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Orlando where my husband was attending a conference.  It was a last minute trip (I was planning on staying home with our 3 kids) until my parents graciously agreed to watch our kids while I traveled with my husband.  As anyone with children knows, particularly young children, the rest and relaxation was absolutely fabulous and so needed.  And being able to spend a few days with my husband alone was amazing!

Of course, vacationing may include overindulging a bit on food, but it doesn’t mean you need to induldge at every meal.  The tips below will help you to still enjoy your vacation while making healthier choices while traveling.

 Tips for Flying

Yes, airport security is tight these days, but you are allowed to bring food in your carry on and checked luggage.

• Plan ahead: pack non-perishable food such as granola bars, energy bars, nuts, trail mix and whole fruit.
• Stay hydrated: bring an empty water bottle (it’s allowed), and fill it up once you are on the other side of the security check point.
• For those who haven’t flown lately (like myself), don’t rely on the complimentary airline snack they provide: I received a 45 calorie pretzel bag that was neither satisfying nor did it provide much nutritional benefit. That’s when a granola bar, trail mix or your favorite healthy snack can come in handy.
• Choose water instead of caffeinated beverages on the plane. I don’t know about you but I feel more than a little fatigued when I’m traveling by plane, and being dehydrated does not help.  

45 calorie pretzels isn’t exactly an adequate snack so bring your own!

While at Your Vacation Spot

• Remember to drink water throughout the day.
• Eat snacks throughout the day – it’s very easy to get too distracted and go longer hours than your usual routine without food. This can easily lead to overeating when you finally have a meal
• Avoid buffets: it’s very easy to overeat since there are so many unlimited options. If a buffet is your only option (we ate at our hotel buffet one morning since our shuttle was leaving in 15 minutes and we had no other choice) follow these tips:
  • Breakfast: choose fruit first, then protein like eggs with a slice of bread or small serving of potatoes; yogurt + fruit + granola; oatmeal + fruit; and avoid the pastry and donut section.
  • Lunch/dinner: start with a salad, then choose a grilled or roasted protein (like chicken or fish); consider sharing an entree.
• Skip restaurant desserts (they typically contain more than 50% of the calories a typical American should be consuming in 1 day), instead try a frozen yogurt shop.
• With or without a car, use Google to find the nearest convenient store or grocery store to stock up on healthy snacks to have on-hand.
• Look for fun ways to explore your surroundings while getting some exercise such as renting bikes or paddle boats or exploring walking trails.  We rented bikes and explored the area around our hotel…you never know what kind of unexpected and interesting gems you may find! I was hoping to find some alligators along the lakeshore to no avail.

Exactly what is needed sometimes…to just relax!

Remember to enjoy your surroundings, have fun with the company you are with and relax!

Bottom line: Enjoy your vacation location, atmosphere, and indulge a few times, just not at every meal!

 This Eating Well While Traveling (and still enjoy it!) post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.

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