Dietary guide to stay fit while traveling.
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
Whenever we’re called upon to travel, whether it’s for work or leisure, it’s easy to get anxious over how to maintain a wholesome diet. We’ll often find that we’re too busy—or just lazy—to go grocery shopping, prepare our meals, and keep track of our calorie intake, which at the end of the day is quite understandable. That said, maintaining healthy eating habits on the go doesn’t need to be a complicated or time-consuming endeavor. The key lies in self-discipline and the ability to make the right choices, which is why we’ve compiled our best recommendations to help you stay fit and lean while you’re out of town!
Keep a food journal
For starters, if you’re a health enthusiast, chances are you already keep a journal to monitor everything you eat and drink. So, don’t relinquish this great habit on your upcoming trip! Keeping tabs on your food intake will prevent you from overeating, and help you adjust your eating habits if you’ve had one too many fast-food meals on the go. A food journal will also be your best ally when it comes to meal prep.
Have a copious breakfast
Just as you would on routine days, starting your day with a hearty and nutritious breakfast is the best guarantee to kick-start your metabolism and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep you alert and active. Include anything you would normally have for breakfast, from whole grain cereals and bread to fresh fruits, eggs, yogurt, and soy milk.
Stay hydrated
The importance of drinking 2 liters of water (or 8 cups) can never be stressed enough. Particularly when you’re flying, touring, or engaging in outdoor activities, your body needs water to remain energized and focused throughout the day. Besides, whenever you start to feel hungry, it may just be the thirst kicking in to remind you to stay hydrated! Likewise, green tea is a superb option to keep you full and boost your system with antioxidants.
Try supplements
Speaking of which, you need a variety of substances to maintain a healthy and well-functioning body. Needless to say, this isn’t always achievable on the go. For those who are concerned about getting the right nutrients, taking dietary supplements can be a good alternative to fulfill your daily vitamins and minerals intake when you don’t have the time to sit down for a full meal. There are a variety of trusted online guides to help you get acquainted with the different types, dosage, benefits, and more.
Eat healthy snacks between meals
It happens to all of us: we know we’ve had a satisfying meal barely 2 or 3 hours ago, and yet, the hunger strikes again. Whenever that occurs, it’s always best to get a filling snack like a granola or protein bar, a bag of nuts, or an apple. Make sure you pack a snack in your bag wherever you go to avoid relying on unhealthy options like chocolate, chips, or fried foods.
Fill up on veggies
A reason why you may feel hungry between meals is perhaps that you’re not consuming enough vegetables. Aside from being delicious, veggies are super nutritious and filling. As such, whenever you’re cooking or ordering a main dish at a restaurant, make sure you have an additional half plate of greens to keep the hunger at bay and nourish your body with essential nutrients.
Visit the local grocery store
Whenever we travel, it’s always tempting to eat out rather than cook our food. However, if your stay exceeds a few days and you have access to a kitchen, why not pass by the local market to stock up on some groceries? Whether it’s to pick up fruits and yogurt or to purchase a week’s worth of meal prep, it will certainly make for a more wholesome and economical experience.
Watch your alcohol intake
Whether it’s during a business dinner or on a white sand beach, it’s strongly advised to lay off the booze. Aside from having many empty calories, alcohol causes terrible hangovers when consumed in excess which can quickly ruin your trip. Feel free to enjoy a glass or two of your favorite wine, but leave the overly sweet cocktails and shots to the young party-goers.
All things considered, maintaining a healthy diet to stay fit in a trip all comes down to preparation and making smart choices. It’s important not to overindulge, but at the same time, you should allow yourself to dig into the local food scene for a taste — even if it’s not the most wholesome option!