Sticking to your meal plan while you’re exploring the globe can be difficult to do.

However, if you learn how to make smart choices, then you’ll find that eating a healthy diet while traveling is really not that difficult. Keep in mind that the time when you’re traveling is probably not the best time to start a healthy diet, but if you are currently making healthy choices in your foods already, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate new locations shouldn’t be overwhelming.

Let’s go over some tips and tricks that you can utilize while you’re traveling the globe.

Different types of foods

If you are traveling by airplane, a healthy diet may include airplane food, which can often be poor for your health and have a small selection. When you book your flight, ask about your food options and check to see if a vegetarian dish is available. Vegetarian dishes are sometimes more nutritional in this case, but it really depends on what they will be serving during the flight.

If you can, eat a larger meal before your flight so that you don’t have to eat the entire meal that is served. When it comes to traveling and eating healthy, it’s often about planning for the future.

When driving or taking a bus, you may be tempted to stop at fast-food restaurants and eat the foods found there. Avoid this whenever possible!

If you’re on vacation, you may wish to splurge a tiny bit, but having fast food more than once a week can be very detrimental to your health. While avoiding fast food is one of the best ways to stick with a healthy diet while traveling, that may not always be possible.

If you must, choose the healthiest options available, like chicken breasts, salads, and unsweetened iced tea. When you have the option, choose something that’s baked instead of fried. Eating healthy while traveling is all about finding alternatives and positive options. Don’t be afraid to explore menus and keep an open mind.

Remember that you can take your own food when traveling. Carrying a loaf of whole-wheat bread or pita wraps, some lean lunch meat, and low-fat cheese in a cooler is a great way to avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol junk food meals.

You can also bring snacks such as nuts, fruits with a packet of peanut or almond butter, veggie sticks with hummus, and organic nutrition bars. These are much better choices and you’ll save a lot of money as well. Call ahead to ask if there will be a refrigerator in your hotel room and make accommodations if necessary.

Meal planning is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. By prepping for your travel, you can set yourself up for success and give yourself resources that will encourage you to eat healthily. Thinking ahead is one of the best ways to be sure that you’ll have healthy options available.

Trust your knowledge of healthy eating

Lastly, make smart choices when you eat out. If you choose salads or pasta, get the dressing on the side and ask about low-carb options. In fact, many places print these dieting options directly on the menu for health-conscious people. Control your portions by ordering lunch menu sizes or splitting the meal in half and getting a to-go bag. By doing this you’ll be well on your way to healthy eating, even away from home.

Yes, eating healthy foods when you travel can be a challenge. However, your health is worth it. When you eat good foods, you will also fight illnesses that you are likely to encounter when traveling and be more alert so that you can enjoy your trip.

Balance is important!

Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up vacations or fun times with your family. It’s all about finding ways to incorporate healthy things into your lifestyle and being flexible when necessary. Just as with everything, eating healthy takes practice. You can get back to the gym soon, so don’t forget to have fun on your vacation!

Healthy living is all about balance. This carries over into travel as well. It’s about building a lifestyle that is ongoing and fluid with your everyday life.

If you’re concerned about what you’ll eat when you’re on vacation, then that means you’re already prioritizing yourself. This is an incredible step in the right direction!

If you’re going on vacation and feeling anxious about your food options, our staff is here to help. We specialize in helping our clients find healthy options and integrating those choices into their daily routines. Feel free to check out our meal plans and think about whether that could be the right option for you. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy diet while traveling.