Keeping Your Diet while on a Trip

Vacations and business trips often put people’s diet on hold because along with their house, they temporarily leave their daily fitness routines. For some, traveling is an excuse to eat whatever they want as they deem it as part of enjoyment. That doesn’t have to be the case though as you can actually carry your healthy diet with you anywhere.

The following are some helpful guide while you’re away from your health-accustomed kitchen:

• Eat smaller.  You don’t have to eat less often you just have to take smaller servings. In Asia, food portions in restaurants are notably smaller than their Western counterparts. Take advantage of this and your body will soon get used to eating small portions which will make you feel full in less calories. But even if you’re not eating out in an Asian city, feel free to just eat half of the meal served to you. No one’s really pressuring you to eat the whole pasta or steak. In order to save money, you can always share your meal with your companions or ask for to-go boxes.
• Favor the protein and fiber foods. Whether you are going to pack your own snacks or just stopping by a supermarket, remember to choose foods that are high in protein or fiber. The body needs more protein especially when confronted with more physical activity which comes with traveling. Moreover, protein can make you feel more alert and can curb your cravings for sweet treats. Some examples of ideal protein-laden foods are eggs, cheese and meat. But if you’re buying on the road, beware of the so-called protein bars on the stores as they contain way too much sugar. Check the labels for the sugar amount as well as hydrogenated fat.
• Drink up. But not on alcoholic beverages. Keep your water bottle full of juice or just water so as to keep you hydrated during your trip. This is especially important in plane rides as drinks often served in-flight are not exactly on healthy. Take a sip every so often to counter dehydration. Alcohol or coffee can just make you feel more sleepy, tired or irritable which is paving the way for overeating the next day.
• Cook your own meals. If you’re staying in a foreign place for several days, dining out every time s not a good idea. You’ll have more freedom on what to eat if you check the grocery and put together dishes on your own. In line with this, having an access to a kitchen is useful so it’s better to stay in vacation houses or book hotel rooms with a kitchen.
• Pack your snacks. Stash some pieces of fruit, crackers or homemade sandwiches together with a canister of water on your bag. We know there are in-flight snacks and plenty of stores on the road but patronizing them can mean disaster on your diet. Moreover, if you already have food with you there’s little chance for you to think of stopping by a convenience store to purchase unhealthy snacks. Occasional delays in flights will make you thankful that you brought some snacks along. However, there are certain regulations in terms of bringing food on different countries. Make sure you have checked them to avoid any hassle.

If you’re using your own car, it will be easier to pack your own provisions as you can just take a cooler and fill it with healthy snack options. This will enable you to take a few bites every now and then to keep you from getting hungry.

• Don’t skip breakfast. Whatever you do, make it a point to always eat breakfast. This will lessen if not eliminate the temptation of stopping by a fast-food chain and grabbing a burger and soda along the way. Your best choices are cereal and scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and fruit for dessert.