Traveling soon? Perhaps finally taking that long-awaited vacation? Business trip? Something completely different?
No matter where you’re going, you’re probably going to appreciate some quick and easy healthy food ideas. These can help you stay on track and help you bring, and find real food. While these tips can all be used right here at home, this is extra-important when you’re traveling. Traveling can throw your regular healthy habits off when you’re skipping time zones or even just being in a different place.
As a health coach, I have such a sense of pride when my clients (and family!) skip junky convenience foods. Let me give you some great strategies that can help you do this while you’re “on the road.”
Pro Tip: When booking your hotel room, ask if you can have one with a mini-fridge. This will help you store some of your healthy snacks and groceries while you’re there. Last year, I bought a cooler that plugs into the cigarette lighter in my car and also has a regular plug, that I can plug in and use as a mini-fridge if there isn’t one.
BRINGING YOUR OWN HEALTHY SNACKS
Well, this is important because not only will it keep you from becoming a “hangry junk-seeker,” but it can also hold you off until you’re able to stop at a proper grocery store for say…actual real food!
Here are a bunch of my favorite on-the-go snacks to have on hand in your bag and/or cooler:
● If you’re going to have a cooler, or eat them within a couple of hours, try fresh fruit or boiled eggs (don’t forget the ice packs).
● Lightly or unsalted nuts and seeds (I love walnuts and pumpkin seeds myself).
● Kind Bars or Organic Bars of your choice
● Sliced veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, etc.) with a dip (hummus, guacamole, salad dressing, etc.). You can find single serving size packages all ready to go in the deli section of most grocery stores.
● Find good quality protein bars, or make your own before heading out.
● Good quality granola cereal (I love Purely Elizabeth varieties)
● Savory snacks like roasted chickpeas.
● High-quality protein powder to make your own smoothies (I like Sun Warrior or Organifi).
Be sure to also pack a mini blender, like a Magic Bullet, if needed.
●Pre-made salads that you make the morning of or night before departure, will travel great at least one day. I have made them and put them in a ziplock bag with a little olive oil or lemon and and they are perfect for on the go. If you can avoid the waste of plastic, please do! That is just for in a pinch! I prefer a mason jar or glass container. If you are camping/car traveling and eating on the road, they double as storage for another snack or meal in the future.
● And don’t forget your drinks. Bring some water with you. Or if you’re flying, choose water in the airport and on the plane. I have a personal love affair with naturally flavored carbonated water. I only drink one a day out of all of the water I drink, but it is a treat! Organifi and Your Super both make wonderful Superfood mixes that taste great in water and have a ton of health benefits.
HOW TO FIND HEALTHY FOOD AT YOUR DESTINATION
Of course, you can always Google your destination and search for grocery stores or healthy restaurants. But there are a couple of websites and apps that may be helpful for you.
● FindMeGlutenFree – A website that searches for gluten-free restaurants around the US.
● HealthyOut – An app that helps you find restaurants that cater to your dietary preferences, be they gluten-free, lactose-free, low-calorie, low-carb, etc.
● Food Tripping – Designed for road trips, this app helps you find alternatives to fast food.
Traveling often comes with unnecessary junk food that can derail your healthy lifestyle. Planning ahead and being prepared can be simple, and help keep your health goals on track even when you’re out and about!