Either as a busy professional, a caregiver on the move or a person who loves to travel, we all remember to research the place we are planning to stay. Ok, maybe not research but at least take a look at the pictures on the web and hope to not see any bedbugs from the photos. We also remember to pack the essentials…clean clothes, toothbrush, cell phone 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 café, but knowing what’s available, what’s close and what’s on the menu can equal what’s healthy while on the trip.
My 5 suggestions for making the best choices possible:
The Know Before You Go – when booking your reservation always look at the menus of the hotel, bed & breakfast, inn or in a pinch, distant relatives’ 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 & cheese plate.
Cook much? When I am vacation I hate to cook. I’m honest. 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. Prep time in my house generally involves chasing a cat off the counter. 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 cuisine, but it does carry me through when there are limited options. Some other things that travel well, 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. 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. Driving through parts unknown with both sides of the street littered with fast food joints and everything artery clogging for under 2 dollars. Best suggestion…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 than making the preparations while you travel that you already make in your everyday at home life shouldn’t be too bad. Be well & safe travel
Alicia Kirschenheiter is the owner of Evolution Total Wellness Inc. located in New York. Her vast array of experience in the wellness and fitness industry covers many different are areas including being an American Council on Exercise Certified Advanced Health & Fitness Expert, an in-demand personal trainer, a fitness coach (for individuals and companies) and a certified weight & lifestyle management consultant. She is a published wellness/fitness writer for a variety of publications as well as being the author of the children's book "Oscar and Otis - Fat Fighters."
