Good nutrition while traveling in the developing world?

LauraJo08
LauraJo08 Posts: 219 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hey all,

So I will be spending two weeks in a developing country for work, where basically the situation is so dangerous that I will only be allowed at my hotel, the laboratory I'm working at, and then certain planned dinners at restaurants in the city for US employees. I'm not really worried about getting exercise in -- I've spent a lot of time abroad before and manage to figure out ways to fit it in. What I am worried about...is nutrition.

I'm really on a roll with my healthy eating but I have a track history of letting it be ruined by trips like this and having a hard time getting back on the wagon when I return. From what I can tell, I will have a typical complimentary breakfast in the morning, a lunch that I will have to steal from breakfast or bring myself, and a dinner either by myself, at the bar at the hotel (ie fast bar food) or out to big extravagant dinners. Uggh...temptation nation. Also, produce will be extremely limited because of water safety...ie think bananas. That is the toughest because that's usually how I fill myself up during the day with fruit and veggies.

So, I'm planning to bring a fair amount of food/snacks to keep me through the day. This is what I've got planned so far for a 12 day trip:

12 cliff bars
3 bags Trader Joe's unsulfered/unsweetened dried mangoes.
12 bags Trader Joe's single serving almonds
12 peanut butter packs (probably Justin's Naturals)
12 scoops of protein powder to mix with water
12 oatmeal packages

Does anyone have any good idea of other things to bring/ways to get produce/protein into my diet while I'm there? Also, if anyone has experience with this kind of traveling and has some tips for me for staying on track, I am all ears!

Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Just go with it, It's only 2 weeks. I spent a few weeks in Africa last year and we ate what the locals ate, lots of peelable fruits (bananas ripe off the tree are to die for) and whatever we could find just limiting portions. I came back weighing less than when I left! I liberated as many bananas and oranges from breakfast as I could!
  • socajam
    socajam Posts: 2,530 Member
    It would be interesting to know where you are going.
  • allshebe
    allshebe Posts: 423 Member
    Kale chips?

    I found an interesting make it at home recipe
    <http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/oven-dehydrated-kale-chips-no-dehydrator-needed/&gt;

    How well this will work will depend a bit on the humidity level of the developing country
  • socioseguro
    socioseguro Posts: 1,679 Member
    Hi . I used to travel to many developing areas too. My assignments were short (one week or two). Your list seems comprehensive. I would not take dried mangoes though. Local fruit, properly washed and peeled would be enough.

    I would only drink bottled liquids (bottled water, beer etc). I would not use ice (nobody boils water to make ice). This was to avoid cholera.
    Only eat items that have gone through fire (no salads, too bad).

    Be aware of your surroundings and do not take your valuables with you when going out of the hotel (no passport and no credit cards). Just enough local money for whatever you intend to do.

    Safe travel
  • LauraJo08
    LauraJo08 Posts: 219 Member
    Thanks for the kale chip idea, I think that I will try that!

    And the advice of just going with it....uh that has not worked for me in the past like I said. And did you travel the entirety of Africa? Or a specific country?

    Unfortunately, I cannot state where I'm going for security reasons, but I will not be able to get fruit from markets or stands, and yes I already am aware of the water situation....it's too bad about the ice!

    I guess, if anyone has any specific strategies to staying on track nutrition-wise, that's more what I'm looking for. Thanks all.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member

    And the advice of just going with it....uh that has not worked for me in the past like I said. And did you travel the entirety of Africa? Or a specific country?

    We were in Tanzania. Eating the local food doesn't mean you have to over eat. I know you said you had issues before but there are challenges everywhere. Use portion control just the same as you would at home.

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