I’ve been on the road for about 4 weeks now and boy oh boy am I glad I know a few tricks on this topic! Once you make a commitment to eat healthier you start to realize how much eating healthier requires preparation, having good food on hand and the ability to cook or prepare your food on your own.
I’ve taken two 7+ hour road trips and two flights in the past 4 weeks. Let me tell you a few tips that have saved my ass (literally) and also saved a few bucks from the expense of eating out so much!
Second Big Road Trip– an 8 hour move in 110+ degrees!
TEN TIPS TO “KINDA” STAY ON TRACK WHILE TRAVELING
1. Realize that things will NOT be ideal and you are just going to do the best you can. (and if you’re visiting friends, relax and have a “fun” meal or two, you WILL get back to your routine soon)
2. Eat your regular meals before leaving: if you’re driving, make sure to have breakfast at home, this will keep you from easily grabbing snacks at the first gas station or airport ($$$$)
3. Pack a few MEALS to take with you. You CAN fly with food (just not liquids) and if you’re on a road trip, its super easy to throw a few meals in tupperware in a cooler and go.
Chicken & Fajita Veggies in a tupperware at the airport. Healthy and CHEAP!
4. If you KNOW you’re going to be eating out with friends and there will be treats or alcohol involved– eat HEALTHY meals and lots of veggies during the day– don’t skip any meals. Watch portions, but enjoy yourself!
I got to see my friends Sam and Cassey (Blogilates) for a meal. We had sushi!
5. Walk as much as you can. Whether shopping or site seeing, get out on foot and just take a few extra laps around the mall. If you stop for gas on a road trip, do 50 squats before getting back in the car! (yes I did this) Get the blood flowing!
6. BRING snacks with you! Whether you are driving or flying, its easy to get “munchy” while sitting for so long. There will be a list of great options below…
7. Don’t FORGET to eat. Its easy to get busy doing activities and realize you haven’t eaten all day. Then its really easy to make bad choices when you’re starving. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to stop and get a healthy snack or meal. Aim for at least 300 calories to hold you over.
8. Eat all your veggies first. This is an easy tip. When you are eating out, you can ask for extra veggies and make sure to eat them before a lot of your starches and desserts. This will help you feel full and also slow the digestion of some of your sugars.
9. Stay hydrated! Flying and driving can dehydrate you which you may mistake dehydration for hunger. Bring a bottle of water and make sure to refill it a few times a day.
10. Don’t forget to have fun! Sometimes we get so stressed about the food choices, that we forget to realize its only a temporary condition (in my case a month! LOL) Do your best, but don’t stress. The time off can fuel your motivation to get back on track when you get home!
I randomly got to see my sister in law while in another city! How cool was that?!
Here are a few of my favorite snacks to bring on the road or plane:
- apples, grapes, oranges, cherries
- jerky (turkey or beef)
- tuna packets (people on the plane don’t usually like these, but I do)
- snap peas
- baby carrots
- protein bars (I like kinds that don’t melt like KIND, Quest Bars, or LaraBars)
- Nuts! Almonds, pistachios, cashews, peanuts
- Fruit Snacks (hey, not the healthiest, but my husband loves these)
- dried fruit- magoes, craisins, banana chips, etc.
- deli meat — not SUPER healthy, but not bad. Stays great in coolers on road trips
Comments
comments
this is great! I went on vacation for 3 weeks and packed protein bars, cereal, sweetener, tea and even coffee
I also had some almonds on the plane.
good for you girl!
Hello,
I have a quick question about your blog. Could you please email me?
Thanks!
- Jim
Jim–
email me at
Just little something i would like to add.
Just be careful of the food you choose to bring with you. If you travel in your country there is no problem but some fruit and/or product are not allowed if you are traveling in some other country.
I had to throw out apples once.
A quick look on the internet can avoid wast like that.
True! good tips Roxy!
staying hydrated is key! I travel a lot for work so these tips are helpful. One trick I learned: bring an emply water bottle with you. You can bring an empty water bottle through security and than fill it up with water once you’re through the check points. This will help save money. Who wants to spend $5 on a bottle of water at the airport??? Safe travels!