Traveling is almost always synonymous with weight gain, food poisoning, and unhealthy binges. Most travelers have accepted it as a normal part of life that they have to accept. If you’re sick and tired of this same old excuse and want healthier food choices for your next travel, however, then there’s good news for you. This pursuit is not only possible, but it’s not as complicated as you might imagine.
You can say goodbye to your sugar-filled snacks and fast food meals on the road. By following these tips, you’ll be able to continue your healthy diet without detracting from the fun of your long-awaited vacation.
Research is Integral
Bad eating decisions are usually a result of poor planning. With today’s resources, you have everything you need to find local restaurants and markets that serve healthy options. For example, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon or Havasu Falls, it’s worth checking out a food travel guide. Getting a preview of the delicacies you can expect and which stores offer a healthy variety of local dishes will set you on the right track.
If possible, do further research and determine whether you can detour to your chosen stores for meals. You may even adjust your itinerary to make dining in these places so much more convenient and aligned with your vacation plans.
Eat Before Boarding the Plane
The truth is that foods served on the plane are high in preservatives, sugar, and salt. They’re not healthy for you, and it’s unlikely that they’ll fill you up for as long as you expect them to. Before long, you’ll be ordering another meal, another snack, and another drink that will load you with elements that don’t nourish your body.
The trick is to eat before boarding your plane. Find a good restaurant inside the airport that offers well-balanced meals. Go for lean meat, fruits, and vegetables in the right portion so that you are just full enough for your flight.
Pack Your Own Snacks
Your poor snacking choices during your travels will be your downfall. One bag of chips here and another cookie there will amount to extremely high sugar and calorie intake at the end of the day. While it’s not entirely bad to eat more than usual or to have a taste of local pastries, over-consumption will surely take its toll on your health. You may even start to feel extra sluggish or drowsy, which will then prohibit you from enjoying your vacation.
If you anticipate that all the walking, climbing, and driving you’ll do will make you hungry in-between meals, pack your own snacks. Keep a few bags of dried fruits, nuts, fresh fruits, roasted chickpeas, and protein bars in your bag for good measure. They will keep you sufficiently full, and they’re less likely to make you feel guilty about ordering that dessert come dinnertime.
Chew Slowly
Many people are guilty of this, especially when they’re too eager to clear their plate and get back on the road. The problem with chewing too fast is that you don’t give your body the time it needs to process the food you’re consuming. This makes you think you’re still hungry, which leads to another plate of food, only to find out ten minutes later that you’ve overeaten.
Chew slowly, savor the food, and talk with your travel mates. Not only will you be able to enjoy your meals better, but you’ll also eat just enough to satiate your hunger.
Share with Someone
Did you know that a lot of restaurants give portions that are too much for one person? You might not find this acceptable at first since you’re used to eating the amount you’re served, especially in your favorite restaurants. Do a little reading online to find out the exact portion you need per meal for each food group. You might be surprised at what you find.
Sharing will also decrease your calorie intake, particularly when you are ordering something with sauce or dressing. Having them on the side and splitting them with someone is a good way to cut back on the calories without depriving yourself.
Smart Eating
Planning is the key to healthy eating during your travels. The more research you perform, the more informed you’ll be. The more information you have, the better the preparations you’ll make to counter your bad eating habits on the road. If you’re an avid traveler, then you can already anticipate the cues and temptations you’re prone to. When you’re strategic about solving them, making smart eating choices will soon be second nature for you.
