Do you find it hard to be healthy when you travel?
You don't have to! You just need to travel "healthier" ;)
These are the tips I follow when I travel:
1. Preparation
It depends on where you're going but being more prepared (especially if you're going to a place where there is no access to healthy options) means being more successful at your attempt to be healthier.
Nuts and seeds can be easy and dry snacks. Oat bran can be a healthy breakfast alternative. You just add double its amount boiling water and you're ready. Cans of pumpkin or sweet potato can be used with the oat bran to increase your vegetable intake. Flavor it with cinnamon, nuts and honey if you're not going to use sweet vegetables.
Whatever you take with you, make sure it's real food. No additives like added sugar or chemicals. Just real food (no ingredients).
2. Drink up!
Water is the healthiest drink and you can find it anywhere. Be aware of some flavored water bottles that are filled with chemicals and artificial sweeteners (My husband just bought 6 bottles that I had to return :D).
Carry water with you at all times. When you feel hungry, drink some water and wait. Sometimes we mistake hunger for thirst.
3. Research
If you're going to be mostly eating out, do your homework before you travel. Get to know the healthiest restaurants in the area. Try to aim for restaurants that provide real food.
4. Choose the right foods first
Vegetables are the best food option! They provide your body with the most nutrients and have the least calories. The more you choose vegetables, the more you will fill your stomach with the right things and have less space for the wrong ones.
Stay away from restaurant sauces. They are usually filled with chemicals that give a lot of flavor, bad fats and a lot of salt and sugar! (Yes they can be both in one sauce)
5. Eat mindfully
Chew your food well, eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Food is one of the pleasures in life. Try to find the tastiest healthy food. Healthy food should not be boring, bland or tasteless. It should be colorful and a treat to your senses. After all this, if you feel like indulging, do indulge..even if it's not that healthy! As long as you're doing the right thing for your body most of the time, you're allowed...no...encouraged to be bad ;)
