Well, it’s almost that time of the year again. Time for vacations, trips and spending time with loved ones. With all the hard work that you’ve put into getting healthy and feeling good in your body – wouldn’t it be great to keep it up for your holiday? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while on vacation to ensure your healthy body stays that way and you can enjoy your holiday.
Road Trips
- If you’re taking a road trip, it’s a good idea to plan out your meals before hitting the road. Yes, there is a lot to do to get ready. However, preparing food ahead of time can save you some mula; prevent unpleasant tummy aches; and less than desirable food choices while out on the road.
- For our omnivore friends, consider cooking a nice roast or chicken the day before you leave. The meat can be shredded and used to make sandwiches or salads that can be eaten hot or cold either in the car or at the hotel.
- You can even pick up a few already made side dishes from your health food store that can be tossed in a cooler. Add your own flair, and you have an instant healthy meal ready for a picnic during resting time.
- It’s a good idea to prepare snacks before leaving the house. Making healthy treats such as individual containers with celery and peanut/almond/cashew butter, or sliced fruit, or even yogurt cups with nuts or granola are perfect for traveling. Raya’s family loves kale chips or making these no ordinary pecan cranberry cookies ahead of time and packing them on car trips.
Having these ready to eat snacks available in the car will eliminate the temptation to stop along the way and pick up unhealthy foods. When traveling by car, Raya loves to bring her cooler that plugs into the car charger and can convert to a mini refrigerator upon arrival to her destination. Raya’s family never leaves home on a road trip without this green travel companion.
- If you’re taking a long road trip, schedule in times to pull over and get some exercise. Find a park or open field along the way to get in a nice walk or just do a few minutes of stretching. If kids are on the trip, let them run through the park or play a game of catch. This will not only tire them out, but also allow them to get in a quick workout.
When Flying
If you are flying, it’s a wonderful idea to make sure you eat prior to getting to the airport. Make yourself a healthy meal at home so that you feel full before arriving for your flight. It’s also wise to pack a few healthy snacks in your bag to eat while waiting to board your flight. Things such as nuts, granola bars, fruits and vegetables are quick and easy snacks that can also be filling so you’re not craving the junky foods at the airport or do I even dare call it food what they serve on the plane.
Plan Ahead!
One of the major factors that I have found that has made a difference in my travels was when I began to read the reviews on the areas and restaurants of where I was staying before hand. Without this knowledge, it is practically a free for all when you get to where you are going and this is what often leads to unhealthy eating. Doing some due diligence before selecting a hotel is pivotal in the process. I did a poor job of this in the past and paid the price with unnecessary weight gain. For my most recent trip out west, I searched the Las Vegas hotels reviews and ended up with the best option for my personal eating habits. I was even able to find a gluten free restaurant with the help of a few of the traveler’s reviews.
At the Hotel 
Once you reach your destination, don’t be too eager to indulge in all the unhealthy choices available to you. At the hotel, opt out of ordering room service or dining in the onsite restaurant. Find a local store or market, and purchase some healthy alternatives to keep in the room. If you have to dine out, simply make the best choices you can given your dietary needs. Sometimes deciding what you are going to order even before you look at the menu will help avoid getting sucked into eating something that you really didn’t want or need. These small changes will keep you looking and feeling great during your entire trip.
Raya adds one more resource is Clean Plates, they have a great site to help you find “Clean Food” when you are out and they even have an app that you can download to your phone. Pretty cool, huh?
Safe, Happy, and Healthy Travels
Cole Millen is an avid traveler and vegan foodie who never forgets that life’s best memories are made through real life apprehension of legitimate “experiences.” You can find more articles on Cole’s blog.