Kzenon / Shutterstock6 Ways to Eat Healthy & Nosh Nutritiously While Traveling Dave Odegard March 16, 2016 Travel Tips This post was last updated on September 5, 2023. Alright, let’s all be honest: Traveling and eating right doesn’t usually happen. Whether we’re flying out for fun or hitting the road for work, trying to stick to those healthy habits cultivated at home can be tough. Maybe it’s the stress/excitement of trekking somewhere new or the lack of options when you’re on the road, but for some reason as soon as our luggage is dragging behind us, we’ve all got a serious case of the #treatyoself attitude when it comes to food. And that’s known to (along with the eventual long-term effects of a poor diet) lead to feeling rundown, unfocused, and moody, which is not the way you want to spend your vacation or attend a conference. But it doesn’t have to be like that. There are many different ways to make sure you nourish yourself properly on your next trip, without having to sacrifice sampling the taste of a foreign land or deliciousness of a regional specialty. Because what’s the point of traveling without trying the culinary fare? Indulge in Moderation Really, this is the big eating sin when we travel. Everyone just chucks all willpower to the wind because “I’m traveling!” and overindulges. One way to make sure you don’t go overboard in trying local cuisine is to create a simple reminder that you’ll see everyday while you’re away. Whether it’s a message on your phone or a note on the nightstand, seeing the words, “Remember to eat healthy portions” — or another cue that’s positive, not restrictive — can go a long way. Bring a Water Bottle Whether you’re traveling by cheap flights or pricey first class ones, you should bring your own water bottle. Staying hydrated has been proven to prevent overeating AND it’s the better alternative to a sugary soda when you’re thirsty. It will also save you money. Just be sure to refill it from a reliable water source, especially in foreign countries where the water isn’t safe. Oh, and know how to ask, “Where’s the bathroom?” for wherever you’re visiting. It’s the one downside of drinking lots of H20. Carry Healthy Snacks Like having a water bottle, keeping wholesome treats on you can do a lot for your travel diet. They’ll give you something to graze on if you’re hungry and there’s nothing but fried fast food around, and it’ll keep you from spending money on marked-up junk-food at the airport. No one wants or should have to pay five dollars for Doritos. You Might Also Enjoy: Good to Go: Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling Abroad Eat Fresh & Local Staying away from processed and packaged food is a big part of eating healthy—they’re often loaded with an abundance of non-nutritious calories. So dining in restaurants that makes fresh meals, especially those made from local sources, is a good idea. It’s also a cool way to try to the local food. Why fly all the way to France and just eat a greasy cheeseburger? Just be sure to do a little research beforehand to see if you should stay away from your destination’s raw fruits and veggies. Dine in Dining out is an essential travel experience. But making your own meal every now and then during your trip, along with having some snacks on hand for munching, is a solid trick to sticking to healthy food. Hitting the grocery store is also a great way to find out what the locals like to eat. You may not feel brave enough to try anything like fermented herring or pickled pig’s feet, but feel free to get adventurous at the supermarket. Track What You Eat Yeah, we know keeping a record of your food may seem a bit onerous, but it’s a proven technique to make sure you’re eating right. A lot of people like to use a calorie tracking app on their phones, but it can be as simple as writing your meals down in a notepad at the end of each day. Whatever you use — even if it’s pics on your Instagram account — as long you’re able to look back at what you’ve eaten, you’ll be less likely to feel the need to overeat. FAQs: Q: What’s the importance of a balanced diet during travel? A: A balanced diet ensures you have the energy to explore, supports your immune system, and helps you recover from jet lag more effectively. Q: Can I find healthy options in fast-food joints? A: Absolutely! Many fast-food chains now offer salads, grilled options, and fruit cups. Just opt for those over fried and high-calorie choices. Q: How can I manage food allergies while traveling? A: Research restaurants in advance, communicate your allergies to the staff, and consider carrying allergy-friendly snacks. Q: Should I avoid street food altogether? A: Street food can be a delightful culinary experience. To minimize risks, choose vendors with clean setups and a steady stream of customers. Q: How can I eat healthy on a tight budget while traveling? A: Choose affordable protein sources like eggs, beans, and local produce. Cook simple meals for yourself to save money. Q: Is it okay to indulge in local desserts? A: Of course! Indulging in local treats is part of the experience. Enjoy in moderation and balance it with nutrient-rich meals. Got a tip or trick we didn’t cover that you like to use to eat healthy while traveling? Let us know in the comments section below!
