Summer is a great time to getaway with family and friends but it's a tough time to maintain a healthy eating routine while you're away from home.
Here are some tips to help you keep your diet while you travel.
1. Book a hotel that has a kitchenette or microwave/mini-fridge.
Upon arrival make a quick stop at a grocery store and you can cook almost like you would at home.
2. Pack healthy snacks & basics.
It is always a good idea to have healthy options on hand so that you aren't tempted to buy high-cost and high-calorie junk food from convenient stores, vending machines, airport or gas stations.
3. Meal prep.
Bring a cooler with small prepped meals.
For protein you can prep, portion, and freeze lean meat.
Boiled eggs are also easy to travel with
Pack some microwavable rice, oat packs, healthy popcorn, rice cakes or even some pre-made potatoes
4. Use a meal prep company.
There are meal prep companies in just about every major city. Find one and have meals delivered straight to your hotel room.
5. Be specific!
When eating out be specific about how you want your food prepared and cooked. Ask for your good to be made grilled or bakes instead of fried. Request that they use light or no oil. Get your veggies steamed and your starch baked.
Also ask for things like dressings, sauces, condiments, cheese, etc to be on the side so you can regulate how much to add to your meal.
6. Stick to the basics and practice mindfulness.
Fill your plate with lean meat and vegetables first.
Say NO to bread or chips on the side
If the portion of food is large use this opportunity to share your entree or save it for later.
Eat slow and stop when you are full!
7 . Drink extra water.
Pack a reusable thermos and fill it up and drink every change you get.
8. Gut check.
Traveling typically means you will be eating different foods and off your normal schedule. These things can throw off your digestion resulting in a sluggish gut, occasional bloating, and discomfort.
Make sure to pack supplements to help you support good gut health on your travel.