Either as a professional or a person who loves to travel, we all remember to research the place we are planning to stay. We also remember to pack the essentials - clean clothes, toothbrush, cell phone and charger, of course - but what a lot of us forget is to research the food options to allow us to make the best choices available. Now, of course I am not saying we should choose a destination solely based on its proximity to a smoothie caf, but knowing what's available, what's close and what's on the menu can equal what's healthy while on the trip.In order to make the best food choices while traveling, there are five suggestions to live - and travel by.
The Know Before You Go
When booking a reservation, always look at the menus of the hotel, bed & breakfast, inn, or in a pinch, a distant relative's house. Look for light menus, healthy meal choices and a variety of fresh vegetable and fish choices. It may make the difference between staying somewhere where a late night menu might mean a cheeseburger and fries or a fresh vegetable and cheese plate.
Cook Much?
When I am on vacation, I hate to cook. I'm honest with myself. However, for some other reason entirely, when traveling for business, I do sometimes choose a hotel or motel that has a kitchen. It allows you to prepare meals on your schedule that fits your healthy eating needs. Sometimes it actually allows me to cook things I would never have time to at home. The downside? Knowing ahead of time where to go shopping.
I learned fast. No point to a kitchen if the nearest grocery store is a 30-minute drive unless you are there for an extended trip.
Pack the Essentials
Only you know your needs. For me, planning ahead for my well lifestyle means prepackaged protein shakes or bars, fruit bars and vitamin C packets. OK, I know it's not five star cuisines, but it does carry me through when there are limited options. Some other things that travel well are nuts of all kinds, dried fruit, granola bars and depending on whether driving or flying hard boiled eggs, lemons, limes and seltzer in a small travel cooler of course.
Check out the Local Flavor
Sometimes when we travel we are offered a cornucopia of tastes and flavors never available to us anywhere else. For example, I had never tasted a Mexican spice, "chile pequin" until la trip to Riveria Maya Mexico. It was served with an assortment of fresh fruits & vegetables. When dipped in with some lime, it was a taste explosion. It certainly made me eat a whole lot more fruits and vegetables and was a healthy alternative to some other choices like chips and guacamole or fried plantains.
The Fast Food Dilemma
We all know it, we have all done it. While traveling through parts unknown with both sides of the street littered with fast food joints and everything artery clogging for under $2 US, the best suggestion I can give is to give in. I said it I know. But, and this is a BIG BUT, make healthier choices when you are there. When you can, opt for grilled vs. fried, salads vs. french fries, bottled water vs. soda and skip the perks like extra cheese or cheese at all, bacon & sauce.The truth to healthy travel is to maintain your lifestyle ideals while on the go. If being well is important to you, then making the preparations while you travel that you already make in your everyday life at home life shouldn't be too bad. Be well & safe travel.
About the Author
Alicia Kirschenheiter is an American Council on Exercise Certified Advanced Health & Fitness Expert, Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach & Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. Alicia is also author of Oscar and Otis-Fat Fighters and a published wellness writer for a variety of venues. She is also the owner of Evolution Total Wellness Inc. located in New York. Evolution Total Wellness mirrors Alicia's wellness philosophy of a "whole" fitness solution for today's healthy lifestyle challenges. "Whole fitness" focuses on a fit body, a holistic nourishing diet and inner peace for the spirit. Evolution is available for individual and corporate wellness solutions. We specialize in fitness coaching, individual wellness plans including fitness & nutrition solutions. For our corporate partners, corporate wellness plans, seminars and presentations can be customized to address your business needs. Alicia is also an avid freelance fitness writer for a variety of online publications. Please visit us at www.dailyevolution.com / www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness / www.oscarandotis.com
