How to Eat Healthy While TravelingParkSleepFly.com Travel Blog

How to Eat Healthy While Traveling

June 8, 2015 5 Comments

How to Eat Healthy While Traveling

Finally! A vacation! But along with the excitement of traveling comes a feeling of worry. Vacations can be used as an excuse to overindulge; will you be able to maintain healthy eating habits while traveling? Here are some tips to help you along the way.

On the Road/Flight

While we’re on the road (or flying), it can seem difficult to find anything that’s healthy. But even gas stations usually have healthier snacks to offer. Look for dried fruit as an alternative to candy, and nuts as an alternative to overly salted chips. It also doesn’t take much time to pack a snack bag before you head out. Drink water as much as possible, but when you just need something besides water, consider iced teas or sparkling water beverages as a cold drink instead of soda, and if you need the caffeine boost of a hot coffee, use honey as a sweetener rather than sugar.

In Restaurants

One of the most important things to keep in mind while eating in restaurants, whether on the road, or once you’ve reached your destination, is portion control. Many establishments offer smaller portion options for both entrees and desserts. If you’re going to add a salad to your meal, or have a salad as your meal, use oil and vinegar based dressings instead of cream based dressings as oil and vinegar dressings are lower in fat and calories. If you just need your ranch dressing, ask for it on the side and dress each bite as opposed to pouring the serving over the entire salad.

In fast food style restaurants, don’t buy the pre-made combos out of habit. Consider creating your own combo meal with your choice of entree, a side salad, and water. If you simply can’t resist those delicious fries, don’t be tempted to upgrade your combo to a larger option even if it seems like too good a deal to pass up. You may save a little money now, but you’ll end up paying for it later.

You Have Reached Your Destination

Once you’ve reached your destination all bets are off, right? They don’t have to be. After you’ve checked into your accommodations, make your first stop the local grocery store where you can purchase things like fruits, veggies, nuts and non-sugary drinks to have on hand so you can avoid the snack machines.

Don’t tell yourself you’re not allowed to have any of the “fun” things. Instead, be resolved to take the smaller portions. Getting ice cream? Make it one scoop instead of two. Visiting a local chocolate shop? Set a limit on how much you’re going to buy before going in, and buy individual pieces. Going out for drinks later? Set a limit before getting there and drink water after you finish each alcoholic beverage.

Making small changes usually have longer lasting success rather than trying to change everything at once. Developing healthy eating habits while traveling can be the first small change that puts you on the road to a healthier life.

Have any tips or stories to share? Let your fellow travelers know about it in the comments below!

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