April 26, 2017
Eating healthy while traveling can be tough, but it isn’t impossible.
I hate to admit it due to its negative connotations, but I’m a millenial (gasp!) and it is no secret that our generation likes to indulge. What can I say? I definitely fall into that indulgent stereotype that has been slapped onto our age group. It’s very easy for me to step off a plane, doesn’t matter the circumstances – work or pleasure, and my brain immediately associates travel with vacation. And in turn Immediately go into a “treat yo self” mentality.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with indulging and I truly encourage it, but when I’m on a work trip, I need to be in the right headspace because the schedule usually demands for training or entertaining clients. Cocktails are frequent when it comes to entertaining clients or mingling with co workers- and unfortunately alcohol & cocktails are packed full of sugar and sugar gives me headaches + prevents me from sleeping soundly. The lack of sleep leavesme feeling groggy throughout the week and my head space is not 100%. I also find myself grabbing for the processed break room snacks at 2 PM, which I attribute to my lack of energy. So how does one balance entertaining clients over wine and dessert and still staying true to a clean eating regiment? Truthfully I’m still figuring it out, but my biggest takeaway has been having nutritious snacks on hand goes a long way in keeping me from tossing all healthful eating concerns out the window while on the road. I have learned to find balance in my diet because, after all, a little healthy food is better than none at all.
Pack Snacks: My purse (or briefcase) snack game is STRONG. I pack items that can serve as a snack or a meal replacement if need be.
- Protein: Meat Sticks, hard boiled eggs, RX bars
- Healthy Fats: Prepacked Olives, Nuts or nut butter
- Fruit/Veggies: Apples or bananas are easy to toss in your bag and top with nut butter when on the go.
- **Check your labels to ensure Nut butters & meat sticks are Whole30 compliant if you are participating in whole30.
Find A Grocery Store: I love scoping out a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s upon arrival and stocking my hotel room with Paleo friendly snacks that I couldn’t fit in my carry-on. Also, Whole Foods Salad/Hot bar makes a great meal option.
Hydrate: I do not leave home without my stainless steel water bottle. In recent years I’ve developed a fear of dehydration. It may have been the Walking Dead and the thought of an apocalypse but seriously, I carry my water bottle everywhere.
Plan Ahead: At some point throughout my travel, it’s unavoidable that I’m going to have to order room service or eat out at a restaurant so I ALWAYS look ahead at menus. What did we do before the internet? Now that most restaurants have their menu online, I scope out some Paleo/Whole30 Friendly options. I have the habit of making bad decisions at restaurants so if I can decide for myself ahead of time, I don’t have to think twice when I sit down for dinner.
- Fitt City is a great web resource to find healthy hot spots in a city you are traveling too.
Be Flexible: Give yourself some grace, you don’t have to make all the best choices all the time. But consciously making good choices here and there will balance out some of those cocktails!
Activated Charcoal: I carry these, as they are great to help detox and remove toxins from your body when you do indulge. It promotes healthy digestion of processed foods, or things that cause me inflammation issues.
Must Have Travel Accessories:
Not only do I enjoy having snacks with me on the go, but over the last year I have been attempting to be more environmentally conscious. I do my best to eliminate waste and by using some of the below products (not only during travel, but on a daily basis in my home) I eliminate using plastic disposal items.
- Stasher Bags
- These reusable ziplocks are extremely durable, dishwasher friendly, and great for food or toiletries!
- Insulated Lunch Box
- Utensil Travel Set
- TSA does not allow butter knives through that have a serrated edge.
- Ice Packs
- TSA will allow ice packs through as long as they are frozen.
- Stainless Steel beverage holders
- Vitamin Holder
- Salad Dressing Holders
Safe Travels!
