Sticking to a nutritious diet while traveling can be one of the more difficult things to do. However, if you learn how to make smart choices, a healthy diet is really not that difficult. It’s probably not the best time in which to start a healthy diet, but if you are currently making healthy choices in your foods already, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate travel, is not as difficult as it first may seem.
If you are traveling by airplane, your diet may have to include airplane food, which can often be of poor nutritional value, depending on the selection. When you book your flight, ask about your food options, and ask if a vegetarian dish is available. Vegetarian dishes are sometimes more nutritional in this case, but it depends on what they may be serving. If you can, eat a larger meal before your flight, so that you do not have to eat the entire meal that is served, to feel full.
When driving or taking a bus, you may be tempted to stop at fast food restaurants and eat the meals found there. Avoid this whenever possible! If you are on vacation, you may wish to splurge a tiny bit, but having fast food more than once during a week can be bad for your health. If you must, choose the healthiest options available, like chicken breasts and diet soda.
Also, remember that you can take your meals when traveling. Carrying a loaf of whole-wheat bread or pita wraps, some lean lunchmeat, and low-fat cheese in a cooler is a great way to avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol junk food meals. These are much better choices and you save a lot of money as well. Call ahead to ask if there will be a refrigerator in your hotel room.
Lastly, make smart choices when you eat out. If you choose salads or pasta get the dressing on the side and ask about low-carb options. Many places print these dieting options directly on the menu for health-conscious people. Control your portions by ordering lunch menu sizes or splitting the meal in half and getting a doggie bag, and will be well on your way to healthy eating, even away from home.
Yes, eating healthy foods when you travel can be a challenge. However, your health is worth it. Eating meals high in nutrition will also assist in fighting illnesses that you are likely to encounter when traveling and you will find yourself more alert so that you can enjoy your trip.
