Travel is a wonderful part of life. Experiencing new cultures, taking in new sites, meeting new people, and seeing how the rest of the world lives is one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever had.
I’m fresh off a two-week trip to Wisconsin, USA for my son’s graduation. It was amazing to meet people from so many different countries and states. It was a magical trip and one of my most memorable ones.
While it was a wonderful trip, it feels so good to be back in my own bed and my own kitchen.
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And thus it felt like a good time to share my best healthy travel tips with you. Trust me, you can enjoy your trip without letting your health fall apart. Feeling like you need a vacation after your vacation kind of defeats the purpose. My goal is to always fully enjoy myself without feeling like I need a two-week detox when I get home and what works for me is the 80/20 approaches to food and life. 80% follow the plan and 20% leave for stuff that gives you joy
Here are some of my travel and dining out tips that are easy to follow yet allowing you to completely enjoy every bit of your travel days.
Do your homework – By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail – Benjamin Franklin
Research restaurants and grocers that use local and/or organic products where you can dine with peace of mind and stock up on groceries and travel snacks.
Let’s start with Airport Dairies
What to Pack
Before going to the airport, have a green smoothie to help curb appetite, keep you hydrated, and remove unhealthy temptations around you.
Pack and bring with you:
- Assortment of raw veggies for snacking on the plane (cucumbers, carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli)
- Homemade organic popcorn in a sealable bag for snacking on the plane or while touring
- Sealable bag of mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, small round figs) in case hunger strikes
- A re-useable glass or stainless-steel water bottle. Carry it around with you wherever you go to keep hydrated. Make sure it’s empty at security and refill it on the plane. Electrolyte packets can also be helpful to stay hydrated during travel
- Pack 2 cups of Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) in a resealable bag & soak in a bath for 15 minutes in clean filtered water after travel to help detoxify from the cosmic radiation exposure from the airplane
General Dining Out/Menu Tips
Drink a large glass of water about 20 minutes before going out. This will help curb your appetite and keep you from overindulging
- Order a salad as your first course with dressing on the side
- Ask waiter to pack half of your plate (even before bringing it to you) as the portions tend to be larger in restaurants
- Choose smaller, family-run restaurants that use locally harvested ingredients instead.
- Ask for grass-fed, organic animal products. If none are available, choose a vegetarian dish. Note, don’t be too strict about this if you don’t dine out frequently as it’s difficult to find restaurants offering quality organic animal products.
Words to Avoid When Ordering from the Menu
Creamy, roux/gravy, au gratin, battered, crispy, fried, sautéed, buttered, sweetened.
Words to Look for When Ordering from the Menu- The GPRS Method
Grilled, poached, Steamed boiled, roasted.
By following these travel and dining out tips, you can maintain a healthy and enjoyable summer season. Prioritize nutrition, stay hydrated, ensure enough movement by exploring your destination, choose mindful snacks, and find a balance between indulgences. Remember, vacation is a time to rejuvenate and nurture your well-being, so make the most of this summer season by taking care of yourself.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Sheetal Ramchandani
