EATING HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELLING

EATING HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELLING

Eating healthy while travelling can sometimes be wishful thinking but it doesn’t always have to be one or the other, there is always a happy medium.

IT ISN’T EASY IF YOU’RE LIKE ME AND LOVE AN ICE CREAM OR 5

There are some trips where I watch my calories and there are others which I go hell for leather, and deal with the consequences when I get back. I’m big into my working out and don’t like the thought of working from scratch after every holiday. So to ensure damage limitation I always follow these helpful tips.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

I love eating my way into a coma but at the end it is never really worth it! I try to limit those binges as much as I can. Generally speaking I try and have 2 good meals for every unhealthy option while on the road.

Be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to try some local food instead of visiting the same pizza shop 3 days in a row. Sampling new food is a highlight and I have found some of my favourite dishes just by asking the waiter.

Eating healthy while travelling

SNACKING

The root of all evil is snacking when you feel even the slightest bit peckish. But snacking doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. I make sure the only snacks I have in my bag are nuts, protein bars and energy bars. These can taste good but aren’t moreish like a full packet of Oreos so I tend to only eat what I need to keep me going. Not having the likes of chocolate and sweets in my bag means no matter the urge there won’t be any to snack on. If I find myself buying snacks I always ask myself the same question,

“WILL I HATE MYSELF AFTER EATING THESE?”

Also be sure and stay away from big packets or extra value packs. We all know portion control is out of our control unless you have an ungodly amount of willpower.

Depending on my activity that day I might also bring some dried mango which is a great source of energy. I’m just sure never to take too much as they can be hard to stop. They also have the benefit of having no added sugar so you won’t come crashing down after having a few bites.

DON’T BUY ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

When out and about its easy to get carried away buying a lot of stuff you don’t need. When I’m hungry at times I find it hard to concentrate and would easily buy things I would go onto regretting later and possibly not even eating.

WATER

A good diet is the answer to everything but it’s all based around water. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and you are sure to keep the edge off your hunger, especially between meals. Even then you will be less inclined to order that coffee or coke.

Eating healthy while travelling

CHOOSE YOUR RESTURANT WISELY

I know there isn’t anything better than walking past and getting a whiff of the local pizzeria but choosing where you eat will obviously limit your choices on what you can order. Be sure there is always something that will satisfy your palate but not add the pounds.

Doing your research online before is a great way to decide where to eat. There you can have a look at the menu and make a conscious decision instead of something spontaneous. It’s always a great way to find a new restaurant that offers something unique to those in the tourist traps.

AIRPORTS

Be wary when you have a day of travelling ahead as not all airports offer the variety that you might expect. Airports are improving and choices are increasing but there’s no rhyme or reason and it might be better to bring your own or check the options before you arrive.

ORDERING FOOD

Ok, I’m as guilty as the next person here when it comes to over ordering. Sometimes when I have a busy day on the road I could go 8 hours without a meal. And when the next meal time comes, I feel like I need to make up for lost time. This is a sure-fire way to over eating and if you are like me you will be left hating yourself after it all. Now I tend to order my courses separately so I don’t risk over ordering.

I know a few people who have a healthy snack before going to a restaurant, just to take the edge off the hunger – I do like this idea!

My mum knows the way to my heart. Eating healthy while travelling

STAY BUSY

We’ve all been on the odd chill holiday where we do little else but sit about in the sun. And as the saying goes the devil finds work for idle hands. I would have no problem devouring 3 or 4 ice creams within just a few hours, so I always try and keep myself busy. Anything from activities, working out or even just walking along the beach or the city while listening to a podcast. This means not only are you staying away from temptation but also doing something productive in the process.

PICK YOUR NIGHTS OUT

You know those holidays where a few drinks during the day tends to lead to the early hours of the following morning? Yes, me too. I’m as guilty as anyone of going out for the sake of it whether it was worth it or not. What I do try and do is pick those special nights and stick to them. Because I’m not so good with hangovers and like to do plenty during the day, my following morning won’t be wasted. Not to mention those nights out will be so much sweeter!

WHATS IMPORTANT?

During my time in South East Asia, I partied every night (bar one) of my 3 months away. There was just no getting away from it! Saying that it was always an important part of the holiday and something I would never change. So like many of my trips if drinking beer and cocktails to your hearts content or eating copious amounts of chocolate is an important part of your holiday then appreciate it and and get stuck in!

Eating healthy while travelling

FINAL THOUGHTS

There is no magic answer here unfortunately and instead it’s all about planning, preparation and will power. So try some of these tips the next time you venture out and see how you get on.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x

This post is part of my Health & Fitness Series, click for more articles like this.