Great info once again.
But what if in the case you are staying over an acquaintance’s house for a couple months and you KNOW that they don’t eat healthy :(?
Wouldnt it be sort of rude to pack up your own food? lol..
I write this blog to you from the passenger seat of my car, as my wonderful wife drives and my little booger sleeps in the back seat.
We’ll be on the road for the next 4 hours, and then “out of town” for the next 2 weeks…bringing us to the topic of today’s post: eating on the road.
And I’ll be completely honest here—eating healthy while traveling can be a real challenge at times.
Just think back to the last time you had a business trip or were required to be away from home for a few days-what did your diet look like?
If you’re like most, the term “healthy” isn’t anywhere in sight.
Fortunately, though, eating healthy while on the road doesn’t have to be an impossible task, and with a little foresight, it can actually become quite painless.
It all comes down to planning.
With a plan in place, if you know you’ll be in a situation where access to healthy food may be scarce, you already know how you are going to handle that situation (instead of winging it once you’re there, which almost always ultimately leads to poor food choices).
Before your next trip, look into the various situations you will be in, and devise a plan of action. Here are a few tips for some of the situations you are likely to encounter:
- Travel: If taking the train, pack a healthy meal to enjoy on your trip. If flying, check with the airline in advance to see if they offer any healthy options on board, or you can pack something easily portable such as a sandwich, fruit, etc.
- Long Days: Sometimes you’ll have back to back to back meetings with very little time to eat. If you know this will be the case, plan your course of action in advance. The solution may be to just ensure that you have a local place to enjoy a healthy lunch or to even bring a few healthy snacks along as you go through your busy day. For these types of situations, I love Prograde Protein (all natural, stevia sweetened protein powder) and their ultra convenient fruit flavored protein packets, Prograde Fusion (pour directly into a bottle of water and shake…couldn’t be easier).
- Downtime: Even on the busiest trips, there will be some downtime in which what you eat is up to you. Before you leave, check out the restaurants in the area (many websites have online menus) and pick a few places that you’d like to eat. Additionally, scope out the area for any grocery stores close to your hotel where you can do a little shopping for your stay; just be sure your room is equipped with a refrigerator beforehand.
- Back-up Planning: Things don’t always go as planned, so it’s best to always have “safe” back-up, alternative choices on hand. Throw a couple healthy snack bars (I recommend Prograde Cravers – the best tasting, all-natural organic bar you’ll ever taste), Prograde Fusion packets, or pieces of fruit in your bag just in case you get held up longer than expected.
As the saying goes, fail to plan, and you might as well plan to fail. So, instead, plan to succeed and take a few minutes to incorporate the above tips into your holiday travel plans.
Find this post helpful? Have any additional tips you can share with our members? What are some ways that help you stick to your diet while on the road?
Post your reply in the comments section!
Talk to you there,
Joel
Related Posts
65 comments - add yours
When I’m visiting an acquaintance for a meal, I often suggest that I help them along with the food — if they agree I would bring in something relatively healthier to add to the menu.
Any suggestions for long bus/train trips in China where there’s not much access to healthy options?
the big problem I have with eating healty on trips or visits is that I’m about the only one trying. most relatives and coworkers see me as an extreme and don’t want to join. mostly because they are lazy or don’t want to miss the “good tasting” food, sometimes because of the price. I’m just keep trying my own way, and some people see it is paying of but don’t bother themself with following, but at least after a couple of year they won’t comment that much anymore and let me be, so I also let them be and watch them eat bad stuff and be out of shape. it’s not easy, but what is?
Consider bringing your own portable barfridge, which fits into your boot, and fill up with all the good stuff :), when going on travels. raw almonds or cashews with raisins are a good crave curb, and with relatives, if all else fails, choose what looks edible and drink a lot of water!
one of my big disasters was packing a ziploc tupperware container of cottage cheese to eat on the plane. It popped open during the xray scan at the check point.
I have the same problem on visits as Richard. I am the only one trying. Instead of supporting me they try to make me eat unhealthy stuff. “Come on try one, won’t hurt”. But of course I know that once I have given in it will be hard to say no. Not always easy to stay strong. I like to take nuts and biltong (think it is called jerkey over there?) as a snack while others munch on cake and biscuits.
I tell people something scientific like my body/liver doesn’t have the enzymes to break down extra sugar and fat. LOL It actually works. I use this at parties when someone wants me to have a drink with alcohol.
oohh tim that sounds bad!
ya but eating healthy while travelling suks hard to the core lol… travelling=fun ya maybe everyother day eat what i want …
I pack canned sardines in olive oil and various types of nuts. It is easier to find protein sources than good fats. Pouch tuna is another option. The selection of canned seafood at specialty groceries is generally pretty impressive. It is easy to find many options packed in olive oil.
I am a flight attendant and i have a really hard time eating healthy. With all the time zones we have to go through, its as though ure body gets a bit confused. I try to be disciplined..but at time 14 hours and 400 pax later and you need some sugar and you find yourself pigging out on all the desserts!
I will try and plan….i think discipline is the key!so i will go for it and tell u how it goes!
Thanks For The Information I Don’t Travel Very Often But Some Great Tips For When I Do.
i find if we stay away with freinds it normally only takes for me to offer to cook and most of our freinds soon find that the healthy option is better than their version and we have converted at least two of our freinds
I think the factor that determines planning is how badly you want your goals, and of course, having goals!
Good post. As a professional who travels and as a survivor of cancer, having access to healthy food is important. I pack protein bars to ensure I have enough high quality protein for breakfast (just in case I’m staying in one of those places with ‘free continental breakfast’) as well as some greens bars, and the natural fruit and nut bars.
FYI on most flights now, you’re rarely offered more than a snack such as old peanuts or flavorless cookies.
@Joel Marion – Best to have the natural kind. The processing in most commercial jerky has MSG, which is a neurotoxin.
Any suggestions for healthy meals at fast food restaurants? My job requires me to work during dinner and on a strict budget.
Hey Joel,
I like to make reservations at a hotel that has a fridge so I can bring or buy at a grocery store there, my healthy food.
i like to find a hotel that has a fridge and go to a grocery store in the area and buy what i need to help me stay on my eating plan. Of course, sometimes you have to go with the flow and eat out; i try to guide the choice of restaurants to the ones i know i can get a healthy meal and make sure i don’t eat all of this healthy meal if it’s more than i usually eat. i can then put it in my fridge for lunch or dinner the next day.
Hey Dick, if this is an everyday thing, consider bringing ready boiled potatoes to work with skins, it tastes good cold, with a little celery salt, as well as fresh tomatoes. For a snack later, some plain yoghurt with honey and pieces of fruit can also work.@Dick –
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hey, it’s Joel! So you want to know a little more about me, huh? Well, I’d be happy to oblige :-)
I guess it all started back in 2001 (my freshman year of college) when I was just a “skinny fat” 19-year old kid. At the time, I was spending close to 2 hours a day in the gym (now my workouts last about 30 minutes), and despite my efforts, you’d probably never guess I worked out a day in my life by looking at me...