Summary
You often initiate your travels with commendable aspirations, anticipating that your meals will be wholesome, filled with fruits and vegetables. However, the realities of travel—hunger, urgency, and the allure of indulgent foods—may inadvertently divert you towards less nutritious choices.
This situation is manageable when you are away for a brief period; however, when traveling for extended durations, it becomes essential to adopt practical measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This precaution is particularly vital if you wish to avoid needing to purchase larger clothing sizes, like many have experienced!
With this in mind, here are some strategies to assist you in maintaining a healthy diet while traveling.
1.) Plan
Inadequate planning is arguably the foremost obstacle to maintaining a nutritious diet while traveling.
Having encountered numerous instances of impulsive fast-food meals dictated by immediate hunger, I understand this predicament well. Yet, the temporary satisfaction is quickly overshadowed by feelings of regret, especially when the food does not align with your health intentions.
Effective planning allows you to make informed choices regarding your meals ahead of time, thereby keeping you aligned with your dietary goals.
2.) Stay hydrated
To be more precise, ensure you consume ample amounts of water. This should happen during, before, and after meals.
Hydration plays a vital role in overall health and aids in preventing digestive issues while traveling.
It is imperative to complement a nutritious diet with adequate hydration. While drinks such as tea, coffee, and soda can be included occasionally, water must remain your primary beverage choice.
3.) Pack some healthy snacks
During lengthy travel periods, it may not always be feasible to plan your meals meticulously.
To counteract impulsive food choices driven by hunger, having healthy snacks on hand can help sustain your energy levels. This preparation enables you to make more informed decisions when it comes time to dine, rather than succumbing to the pressure of hunger.
4.) Portion control is important
Avoid overeating! I used to fall victim to this habit in the UK and Europe due to generous portion sizes. However, I learned valuable lessons from living in countries with both small and oversized portions—specifically Singapore and the United States.
In the regions where portions were excessive, I quickly realized not all the food was necessary for me and began to consume only what felt acceptable—this amount ultimately proved to be significantly less than my usual intake in the UK.
Conversely, with smaller portions, I initially believed I would still feel hungry after a meal. Yet, after a brief wait and some water, I often found I was content without needing extra food.
The essential takeaway from both experiences is that the quantity of food necessary for satisfaction is often less than one might assume!
Avoid starving yourself, of course, but refrain from continuing to eat merely because food is present.
5.) Don’t deprive yourself
Occasionally allow yourself the pleasure of indulging in delightful food.
The crucial aspect is moderation; there is no need to overindulge. For instance, savoring a Belgian waffle topped with exquisite chocolate in Brussels is a must, but rather than ordering multiple servings, share one with a companion if you are not traveling alone.
This approach may seem counterintuitive, yet permitting yourself indulgences alleviates feelings of deprivation. Engaging in local culinary experiences can bring immense satisfaction and prevents the development of cravings for foods you might not even desire.
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