Staying on Track When Traveling

reesielee
reesielee Posts: 5 Member
Today's blog post is great so I wanted to share with you guys because this is the time of year for travel!



When you’re on the road and out of your routine, it can be even more challenging to pick wholesome foods to eat. Whether you are visiting family or heading to a foreign destination, it’s possible to eat healthy every step of the way. Check out these tips for eating well while traveling, and take a look at our recommended snack choices before packing your bags.

Healthy Eating Tips

Plan ahead. It will be easier to make nutritious choices if you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Before heading out, hit the web to research eats at your final destination. Find out what restaurants and grocery stores will be near you; look at your daily travel plans to determine when you will be eating your meals. This information will help you narrow down what to pack foodwise and where to eat once you arrive. If you want to get far ahead of the game, look at the menu and pre-log your meal into MyFitnessPal so that you know exactly what to order when you get to the restaurant.

Focus on portion control. Traveling often means eating out. Whether it’s at the airport, on the road or in a new town, be aware of larger portions. Restaurants are notorious for serving a meal that’s two or three times the size you should eat.

Eat slowly, put your fork down and take long sips of water between bites so that you aren’t rushing through your meal and filling up before you even notice you’re satisfied. To safeguard yourself from eating on autopilot, ask for a to-go container and place half of your meal inside of it before you even start eating. Keep portions in check by ordering off the appetizer menu or splitting a meal with a friend or coworker.

Stick to your routine. If you’re the type to eat three square meals and an afternoon snack every day, do your best to maintain this routine. When food is constantly made available (like at family gatherings or at a conference), it can be tempting to graze and overeat throughout the day. If you’re on a work trip or have a major sightseeing agenda, it gets tougher to find the time to eat so you risk skipping meals and snacks. Aim to follow the general meal pattern that works for you to prevent bloating or overconsumption.

Drink more water. Add a reusable water bottle to your packing list. Staying hydrated will not only make travel more enjoyable, but it will also curb any cravings you may have due to dehydration. Drink a glass of water before every meal and carry your water bottle with you wherever you go. Many airports now have chilled water bottle refill stations, or you can always find a water fountain to fill up before getting on the plane. Traveling to different climates and altitudes, and even the compression on planes, can dehydrate you faster, so make hydration a top priority.

Limit your indulgences. Vacation is a time to relax and pamper yourself, but this doesn’t have to mean indulging every chance you get! Work on limiting those sweet treats and calorie-laden dishes so that you don’t end up putting on a few pounds during your trip. If there is a small treat from a local bakery that you’d love to taste, go for it. But take the time to really enjoy every bite—it’s likely you will only need a couple bites to feel satisfied.

15 Dietitian-Approved Snacks for Traveling

Fresh produce
Single-serving peanut- or almond-butter packets
Cheese
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Fruit & Nut Bars
Protein Shake
Plain Oatmeal Packets
Canned Tuna
Nuts
DIY Trail Mix
Pre-Popped Popcorn
¼ cup Dried Fruit
Single-Serving Hummus Cups
Unsweetened Applesauce
Jerky

With a little strategy, eating healthy on the road is absolutely possible. Next time you pack your bags to head out of town, pack healthy snacks, too!

See more at http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/dietitian-approved-tips-and-snacks-to-eat-when-traveling/