10 Healthy Nutrition Tips For Travel

I had this question from a client recently and I thought that I would share it here as I’m sure we have also come across this challenge.

"I'm going to be travelling over the next few weeks and I find that I’m away from home I choose foods that are convenient but don’t make me feel very good. Do you have any tips staying on track?"

While it can be simpler to navigate your diet when you are close to home, know that with a little bit of preparation, you can still enjoy travel without sacrificing your healthy habits.

#1 Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Yes, this seems obvious but let me tell ya, if you wait until you are hungry or stranded in an airport, you are going default to the most convenient, albeit less healthy option. And heck, you know you’ll pay a premium for it!

#2 On travel day: eat a large meal while you are on home turf.

#3 Bring your stainless steel water bottle with you- everywhere. Get a grown up lunchbox.. like a stainless steel bento box! Or a small cooler and a thermos for hot beverages.

#4 When you are flying or travelling- bring your own snacks- lots of them. I don't go anywhere without snacks.. because I hate being hungry.

#5 If you know where you will be staying, scope out the nearest grocery store + farmer's markets in advance and how far it is from where you are staying. Some of the better grocery stores have salad bar and fresh food options.

#6 If you are staying in a hotel, see if you have a mini fridge or could even rent a room with a small kitchenette. Airbnb's are even better for this.

#7 Be like my very savvy friend and put in an online food and snack order and have it sent to your hotel or Airbnb!

#8 Ask around on social media for recommendations for places that serve healthy food options. People love to share.

#9 If you are going to a more conventional restaurant, don't be afraid to (politely, and with expressed appreciation) mention your dietary restrictions and tell them what you would LIKE to eat (vs. making them guess). Most places are very accommodating and if they know how they can help you, they will. Even better, call ahead and let them know what you are looking for when you make a reservation.

#10 This is a whole other level but...consider bringing a handy kitchen gadget (magic bullet or hand immersion blender for smoothies or a hand held frother for your elixars. . This can easily pack in our suitcase (okay if you are willing to give up a pair of shoes.. but it's worth it, right?)

What would you add to this list?

My Favourite Healthy Travel Snacks

Keeping ourselves fuelled when we travel can be a challenge. But with a bit of preparation you can avoid getting “hangry” and resorting to overpriced and low nourishment convenience foods. I love food and have become a snack queen. (Yes, my carry-on is mostly filled with food. Lol)

Here are some of my favourites travel-friendly foods:

#1 Eggs or meat that that I cook in advance. (While jerky is a nice idea..unless you dehydrate it yourself there is often added sugar and preservatives- so just be aware).

#2 Fresh fruit or dried fruit (naturally dehydrated- no sulphites!).

#3 Vegetables: sunflower sprouts, cucumber, carrots, celery, bell peppers, beans, snap peas, kale chips, salsa, roasted sweet potato, and in a pinch- baby food packets.

#4 Seaweed (Seasnax or Dulse) are a satisfying salty snack. I also like making my own roasted chickpeas.

#5 Healthy Fats: olives, avocado (with salt +lime juice), nuts, seeds, nut butters, and nut butter to go pouches, collagen creamers (Vital Proteins), fat bombs, coconut milk, meat, and flakes. Take salad dressings or sauces with you in little bottles! The small travel silicone ones work well!

#6 Bars: Make them yourself or look at ones with real foods and no added sugar: Thunderbird bars, some Lara bars or consider making your own.

#7 Bring your favourite tea, dandy blend, 4 sigmatic mushroom blend, bone broth concentrate, miso paste and just add water to your thermos!

What would you add to this list?