Last Updated on January 22, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
It might seem like an oxymoron when we talk about consuming a healthy diet while traveling. Most people travel to different places not just to explore the culture but also to try out amazing foods and different cuisines. Some people only travel to find the most popular food in the world and then try them.
But that doesn’t mean you should throw your healthy diet out of the window. So, how can you ensure a healthy diet while trying out new food items while traveling?
Well, we have a few tips in this article for you. It will ensure you try out different cuisine while not gaining additional weight on your drip.
Ways to Help You Eat Healthy While Traveling
Eating a healthy diet ensures that you can enjoy and cherish the moments of your journey. No one would want to get sick while traveling and miss out on all the fun. So, here are some tips to help you out with eating a healthy diet while traveling.
1. Choose an Accommodation Where You Can Prepare Meals
The most important thing you should do is find a place with an equipped kitchen. This way, you can prepare healthy meals and save money on dining out for every meal. You can also experiment with the local fruits, vegetables, grains, etc., to prepare delicious and healthy food items.
There are many farms, private properties, or other places that you can rent. Make sure to research such places in the area you plan to travel to so you can rent them beforehand. Also, it would be ideal if you could find a close family member or friend who lives in the area.
This way, you can save money on renting and have everything you need to prepare meals. But you must respect their privacy and help them out with daily chores. Moreover, you should ask them before showing up at their doorstep and take something with you, such as Hanukkah gift baskets, as a token of appreciation.
2. Pack Healthy Snacks
When we’re on the road, there is always a craving for a snack here and there. At that time, we might just pick some snacks on the road, not knowing whether or not they’re healthy. Additionally, it can also disrupt our scheduled meals since we won’t have enough room.
So, how do we deal with this issue? The ideal solution is to pack high-fiber, high-protein snacks for the road. These snacks will ensure that you don’t have a high sodium intake due to excessive eating of fast foods while traveling. Ideally, you should pack dry fruits, nuts, and rice cakes as healthy snack options.
3. Have Only One Special Treat Every Day
As mentioned earlier, most people travel to explore new places and try local cuisine. There is a possibility that the dishes you try don’t follow the diet plan that you’re going with. So, the best solution is to have one special meal every day where you can try the local cuisine.
It is a healthier option instead of having every meal at a restaurant. Also, you should consider eating items in the local cuisine rich in fiber and nutrients. Go for dishes with rich vegetables and lean proteins so you don’t go off track with your diet.
4. Don’t Miss Out on Protein
Protein is the most vital macronutrient for the human body. It helps with building muscle and also reduces the hunger level. As a result, you’ll have a lower appetite and won’t have the urge to consume snacks or meals after a short time. Therefore, you need to prioritize eating foods that are rich in protein.
Whether it is a snack or a meal that you want to try, make sure to check the protein content it offers. It is particularly important for vegans since they might be protein deficient. As a result, they have a lower immune system, and that is something you don’t want when you’re traveling.
Look for vegetables, fruits, and other items that are rich in protein. That doesn’t mean that you eliminate all the other items from your meals. Keep your plate colorful with a balanced amount of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat.
5. Eat Items That Help You with Your Sleep
Travel fatigue and jet lag are issues that people might encounter when traveling. A lot of people are not aware, but your diet has a significant impact on your sleeping patterns. Nutrients like magnesium and melatonin can help you have a good night’s sleep when traveling. Here are some items that you should have:
- Whole grain crackers
- Unprocessed carbs
- Salmon or tuna
- Oatmeal
- Dairy products
- Bran flakes
- Bananas and kiwis
- Almonds and other nuts.
Also, you should cut back on your alcohol consumption and smoking to cut a good night’s rest. Furthermore, limit your intake of sugary items or things that have high caffeine content.
6. Stay Hydrated and Do Exercise
Lastly, staying hydrated is essential since it replenishes your body fluids and helps you stay active. It also keeps your skin fresh and ensures you don’t crave fast food. Drink around eight to 10 glasses of water. Also, try to incorporate exercise into your routine while traveling.
While it might be difficult to find a place when traveling on a plane or train, you should stretch and do some exercise whenever you get a chance. It will help you avoid any digestion problems and assist you in getting good sleep while you’re traveling.
Takeaway
Traveling is fun for most people to reduce their stress, meet new people, and try new dishes. But you mustn’t mess up your diet habits and consume healthy foods. That way, you won’t fall sick during your trip and can make the most of your trip.
Also, if you quite often travel to a place and find a place that gives you an equipped kitchen to cook healthy meals, then you should note it down. Most places have short-term rental software that keeps records of customers. Therefore, you might get some discounts from that place if you stay there frequently.