When you set out on your travels, you often have grand plans for eating healthy, with meals full of fruits and vegetables. But somehow, hunger and cravings can push you towards grabbing unhealthy options. This quick fix works if you’re away for just a few days, but if you’re traveling for longer, you’ll need to take action to avoid expanding your wardrobe with larger clothes.
A bit of preparation is crucial for maintaining healthy eating habits on the go. I’ve had plenty of rushed fast food meals where hunger ruled my decisions, resulting in guilt afterwards. By planning ahead, you can choose where and what to eat before hunger strikes, helping you stay on course with your health goals.
One simple piece of advice is to drink lots of water. Do it during meals, before eating, and afterwards. Water offers numerous benefits, including preventing travel-related constipation. While enjoying drinks like tea, coffee, or even the occasional fizzy drink is fine, water should remain your main beverage.
Sometimes, extensive travel makes planning meals difficult. Carrying snacks can tame your hunger, so when it’s mealtime, you make healthier choices instead of desperately grabbing anything available.
Avoid overeating! I learned this while living in places like Singapore and the US, where portions vary greatly. In places with large servings, I ate only until I felt comfortable, which was often less than I’d normally eat. Similarly, with smaller portions, I discovered that waiting a few minutes and drinking water left me feeling satisfied. You need less food than you might think, so eat mindfully, but don’t deprive yourself.
Treat yourself occasionally without going overboard. For example, savor a Belgian waffle in Brussels topped with chocolate, but don’t eat several in one go. Share with a friend if you’re not traveling alone. Allowing yourself these little indulgences prevents feelings of deprivation, helps you enjoy local cuisines, and stops cravings or unnecessary longing for things you don’t really want.
