Eating Healthy on the Road Doesn’t Have to be Impossible
Whether you regularly travel for work, or you’re heading out of town for a conference or business meeting, there are definitely options to keep your diet in check. It is, however, a little tricky, but with some planning ahead of time, life will be much easier (and healthier!).
Planning what you’ll eat while you’re away from home may be particularly important if you have health concerns and are avoiding certain things, or if you have food allergies or sensitivities that make avoidance a must. Here are some tips and tricks to make the process a little more manageable.
Find Local Grocery Stores
Unless you’re going to be in the middle of nowhere, there are probably some great local options to help while you’re away from home. Many grocery stores these days have healthier to-go options so that even if you have to grab something quickly, it’ll be quicker, cheaper and healthier than a fast food option! If you have time before you go, or even on your flight, check out where your hotel might be nearby for options. Many more grocery stores now even offer delivery service, which means you could have your favourite foods ordered ahead of time and waiting for your arrival.
Investigate Local Restaurant Options
If you’re not one for cooking meals, can’t get a hotel room with a fridge, or know you’re going to be stuck in meetings 14 hours per day, you should definitely find out ahead of time what local restaurants may cater to your needs. If you’ve been able to scope things out ahead of time, it’ll be so much easier than trying to figure out food sensitivities and allergies on a menu when everyone is waiting for you to decide. Check in with the hotel as well to find out what local restaurants may deliver.
Aim for a room with a Kitchenette/Fridge
Many hotels these days will have options for rooms with either a full kitchenette or even just a fridge. This can obviously make a big impact on what you’re able to prepare or keep in your hotel room for your days away from home. If you can bring your own prepped food with you, or have groceries picked up or delivered, a fridge or kitchenette can mean you can pretty easily eat what you’d normally be consuming at home.
Pack and prep what you can bring ahead of time
Whether you’re driving to your destination or required to fly, ensuring you have at least some of your regular snacks with you can make a big difference to how your body feels. Airport and plane food tends to be mediocre at best and often don’t provide a lot of healthy or fresh choices. Prep snacks, or even meals and bring them with you. Just watch out for airport security guidelines if you’re taking things in your carry-on!
Stay Hydrated
When we’re away from our regular routine of things and in a new place, it can be easy to forget to get enough liquid in each day. Coffee also counts against our fluid intake, so take a glass or stainless bottle with you so that you can easily refill your bottle once you get through security and throughout your whole trip. Don’t forget too that people often get pretty dehydrated when they’re flying, so increasing your fluid intake will help avoid any jetlag or fatigue you get from traveling. And remember, herbal teas and electrolytes are two great options if you’re bored of plain water.
Dr. Shannon Morgenstern is a Naturopathic Doctor, educator and guide, who helps patients to find more balance, rejuvenate from the inside out and reach a state of health and happiness. Her mission is helping patients like you to go from living a stressful life of mediocrity to living a life of calm and inspired thriving. She often works with patients who are stressed out beyond belief, struggling to function and who are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Dr. Morgenstern is able to provide the support and motivation to have you go from feeling bored and discontented with life to feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. She practices out of a beautiful clinic in Calgary Canada called Naturmend. Make sure you check out her website www.drshannonmorgenstern.com for up to date info and free tips!