When you’re traveling, it’s easy to start off with the best intentions of eating nutritious, balanced meals full of fruits and vegetables. But hunger, desperation, or food envy often lead to poor food choices. This isn’t too bad if you’re only away for a short time, but if your trip is longer, it’s crucial to take action. You probably want to avoid needing larger clothes, like I have!
Here are some tips I’ve discovered for eating healthy while on the go. First, not planning ahead is a major obstacle to eating well while on vacation. I’ve been there, grabbing fast food out of last-minute desperation, only to regret it later. Planning your meals ahead ensures you choose wisely before hunger takes over, helping you stick to any health goals you’ve set.
Hydrate with plenty of water throughout the day. Drink it before, during, and after meals. Water is vital for many reasons, including preventing travel-related constipation. While it’s okay to enjoy teas, coffees, and fizzy drinks on holiday, water should always be your go-to beverage.
Long travel days often mean you can’t plan meals perfectly. Keep snacks handy to ward off hunger pangs, ensuring you make smart food choices when it’s time to eat.
Avoid overeating, a habit I learned to break while traveling in places with varying portion sizes, like Singapore and the US. In both places, I realized the portions I needed were smaller than I thought. It’s important not to continue eating just because food is there, but don’t starve yourself either.
Treat yourself occasionally, but avoid overindulgence. Enjoying a single Belgian waffle in Brussels, especially with chocolate, can be a delightful experience. Sharing treats not only gives you a taste of the local cuisine without guilt, but it also prevents cravings for things you might not even want.
