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Traveling and vacationing can prove to make healthy eating a real challenge. Suppose you don’t have a place to prepare food on the road, such as a beach house or cabin rental. In that case, you can easily find yourself at the whim of convenience stores and fast food restaurants. But with a bit of planning ahead of time, you don’t have to be entirely at their mercy. Here are a few tips to get you on the “road” to health and a happy vacation.
1. Do some planning before you leave. With the power of the internet, such planning has never been easier. Find out how close you will be to farmer’s markets and grocery stores that carry fresh produce so you can load up on produce as soon as you arrive. Do your research to find the healthiest restaurants along the way, especially restaurants that use local products. Often, restaurants that take pride in using local products provide healthy options.
2. Bring snacks for a road trip or plane ride to keep you from stopping for unhealthy snacks at convenience stores or vending machines. Some good options are a trail mix, homemade granola, chopped raw vegetables, hummus, apples, and dried fruits.
3. Fill up on healthy foods at the breakfast or lunch buffet, especially if you are staying at a resort or hotel. Almost all have healthier options alongside the bacon, sausage, French toast, and doughnuts. Enjoy some eggs and plenty of fresh fruits, salads, vegetables, and whole grains such as oatmeal. Focus on the “crowding out” theory – eat plenty of the good stuff so that if you are presented with the bad stuff later, you won’t have as much room for it.
4. If you can, choose sit-down restaurants instead of fast food. Fast food is always bad food, and in sit-down restaurants, you have more options and can request how you want your food prepared.
5. Avoid deep-fried foods, entrees with cream sauces, and big desserts. If you’re visiting a place you’ve never been before, try to find the healthiest foods that make the area famous – such as fresh fish at the beach.
If you’re on vacation, there will be times you’ll want to do something less than entirely healthy. Just be careful about what you choose and make sure that if you’re taking in extra calories, sugar, or fat, the dish is worth the sacrifice!
Jennifer was born and raised in Long Island, NY. She is a top Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams and truly understands the luxuries of life, with the island’s beautiful seasons, beaches, culture, and diversity. Her creative, enthusiastic, and caring nature allows her to perfectly match clients’ desires for their dream homes. Jennifer is also a Holistic Health Coach and a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and works with clients in guiding them onto a healthier lifestyle.
Bringing snacks on the road goes a long way in terms of reducing stops and managing calories on the go. Great tips shared!