Taking an exotic beach vacation via airplane or commuting to and from work daily by car presents a variety of challenges to healthy eating. Both lead to more meals away from home and the trend of “eating on the go”. Travelers often encounter food traps that influence food and meal choices, portions and budget. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate through these challenges that threaten to derail your healthy eating habits. Here are a few tips to guide you the next time you are traveling.
First of all, plan ahead. Pack food to take with you, such as a piece of fruit, trail mix, or crackers and peanut butter. Traveling can be tiring, but having a healthy snack handy can hold you over through flight delays without getting too hungry. Airports present many challenges to healthy eating, but many cafés now offer fresh fruit and vegetables, yogurt, low fat milk, and low calorie wraps or sandwiches. Here is another planning detail to consider; when you book your hotel, ask for a small refrigerator in your room. Then when you reach your hotel, find a local grocery store and buy some healthy, low-calorie foods. This strategy will help you stay on track for healthy eating.
Dining out can also be difficult, especially when traveling. If you dine out, choose a meal of simply prepared foods without heavy cream or sauces. At the salad bar, select sprinklings of low-fat toppings and choose low-fat dressing. Always pay attention to serving sizes at restaurants. If you can’t split large portions with a family member, friend, or co-worker, ask for a to-go box for tomorrow’s lunch; be sure to keep the leftovers safe in your hotel room refrigerator. This will also save you money!
These strategies can help tackle the travel food traps that include large servings and high fat, sugary foods. Planning ahead is the best way for any travel junky to eat foods on the road that will support efforts to maintain or lose weight.
Safe travels!