Staying healthy is quite easy when you’re not moving from one place to the next. However, people struggle to maintain their diet or stay physically active while traveling. This may lead them to going back to old routines or losing their health. Luckily, you needn’t give up on traveling or drop your healthy lifestyle. What you really need to do is have a plan, do some research, and be a bit more open-minded. Here are few tips to stay healthy and happy while traveling.
Tip 1:
While planning your vacation or business trip, make sure you do some research on the place you’re heading to. This includes booking a hotel close to a health store or produce market that helps you get easy access to fresh fruits. If you’re booking an all-inclusive, then you’ll most likely find a way to get some fresh produce.
Tip 2:
Read about the destination: the culture, their staple food, fruits and vegetables they grow locally, and what is really available there. Most countries pride themselves in certain produce. For example, India has great tropical fruits and coconuts, and South America has great Brazil nuts, quinoa, and bananas. The list goes on. This kind of research can make you feel more at peace knowing you have some exciting, healthy foods to try and allows you to learn a bit more about foreign agriculture and the food business.
Tip 3:
Make a list of all the healthy restaurants or coffee places at the destination. Head to Tripadvisor or Yelp to make a small list of places you can eat that support organic farming or holds a healthy menu. It sounds a bit tedious, but it really isn’t. Given the new concept of business reviews on the internet, it’s easy to find a healthy alternative at any place, at any time.
Tip 4:
Pack your own healthy snacks or supplements if needed. When traveling to remote areas, there is a possibility that you may not find any fresh produce, and the culture may embrace more rice and meat. Times like this, it would be nice if you had your favorite fruit & nut bar or a protein powder to mix in with water just to keep you a bit more satiated. You can also pack in dry fruits, nuts, and a green powder.
Tip 5:
Being open-minded is a key to being healthy. If you are out on the road for a long time or exploring a remote area hiking, you may not be able to carry your healthy protein powder or other concoctions. Being open-minded does not mean you go from being vegetarian to eating steak. It means it’s ok to eat cooked vegetables and beans if you are raw/ vegan. It’s okay to try a traditional fish dish if you prioritize experience over your lifestyle (it is a vacation!).
Tip 6:
Of course, there are some things you needn’t experiment with, like drinking out of a stream or eating uncooked meats. Carry bottled water and Vitamin C tablets always. Better safe than sorry.
A healthy traveler is not just about what you eat. It is about experiencing new culture and places and unleashing your taste buds to try new flavors and cuisines. Follow your gut and do what’s right for you.
