Healthy Eating While Traveling Tips!
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Travel!!!
And we know all about holiday travel – we have family sprinkled all around the country.
Eating healthy at the airport is no easy feat, especially if you’re cranky, jet-lagged, lost, or rushing to the gate to make your flight (story of my life).
1. Skip the jerky and energy bars
It’s tempting to assemble a makeshift meal out of a chocolate chip granola bar, salted trail mix studded with yogurt-covered raisins, and pretzels from the newsstand, but resist the urge to load up on salt and sugar. The added sugar from processed foods can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, meaning you’ll be jittery one minute and lethargic the next. Lethargic = making more poor healthy decisions.
2. Keep snacks small
The ideal snack should include a lean protein and a whole grain, fruit, or vegetable. Remember the ideal snack looks like 200 calories. Steer clear of processed food such as chips, baked goods, and candy, and opt instead for items packed with fiber and protein to energize you and help keep you full.
Great snack options – whole fruits, unsweetened dried fruit, plain Greek yogurt, string cheese, sliced veggies, air-popped popcorn with no added salt or butter, unsweetened whole grain dry cereal with low-fat milk, or unsalted nuts.
3. Scan menus for lean proteins and veggies
If you find a restaurant in your terminal, be smart when you order. Avoid anything greasy, fried, or fatty, since these foods are, harder to digest and could lead to GI discomfort, especially with prolonged sitting.
Instead, look for proteins like grilled chicken and fish, salads with vinaigrettes instead of creamy dressings, or whole-grain pasta with red sauce. Other good options are turkey sandwiches loaded with veggies, and scrambled, or hard-boiled eggs, with whole-grain toast.
4. WATER WATER WATER!
Skip the liquid calories guys!! Instead of wasting calories on calories that will not help you reach your goals, pick water and add fresh fruits/veggies/herbs that will give it a good taste without taking you off track!
5. Say NO THANK YOU
Please do NOT feel you need say yes and eat all the food around you just to be polite! If you have goals, do not be afraid to say so and ask those around you to help you! Do not give in just because everyone else around you is digging in! Be strong, always keep your goals in mind, and know that temporary satisfactions will only last temporary!! You will live with regret longer if you give in!