American Road Trip, Kristen Gill Photography, www.kristengill.com
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine
Something about leaving town makes me feel a little more free. It doesn't matter if it's vacation or business - being slightly outside the everyday structure is exciting, and that extends to food as well. I grew up on the great American road trip, which meant unfettered amounts of junk food in the car, and lots of fast food on the way. Then there are airports - a mecca of trashy food and trashy magazines. Staying healthy while traveling is tough. To me, there's almost something Pavlovian about travel and bad food - it's a strong urge to moderate. But I did it, and you can too.
The key to healthy eating while traveling is to plan mindfully. You know that 1) you won't know all the eateries, 2) there are going to be Bacchanalian meals, 3) you will have to snack and 4) there will be unforeseen events. So plan for them, and you can feel great while you are away, and guilt-free when you come back.
What to do - Mindful Travel
- Plan for the trip out. It's healthier and cheaper. Whether it's by air, land or water, you need to bring snacks and a water bottle. You will definitely want to snack while you're waiting and near stands piled high with junk food. Bring some Mindful Mix and fruit that's easy to eat in public - apples, pears, clementines. Fill up your water bottle and bring it with you. You can always fill it at water fountains along the way. If you forgot to bring snacks, then buy nuts and dried fruit. If you really must have junk food, (like I do on road trips), step up and treat yourself at the gourmet store before you leave. Try something new - buy the fanciest junk without artificial ingredients. Last time I bought some apple crisps and Barbara's Baked Cheese Puffs. Make sure you buy the smallest bags, it's junk.
- Eat local. When you get to your destination, shop for provisions. Stop at the local farmer's market or grocery store (I know you'll feel weird about this, but do it) and buy some fruit and/or nuts. You'll be taking part in the local culture, and you might try something new. There will be unexpected events that come up, and you will be glad you have ready food. You'll also be glad you have snacks when you get back to your room late at night. I'm going to be in Florida for the next few days, and I am definitely going to take advantage of the oranges.
- Be mindful about your meals. Think about what you're ordering. Go for the foods that are prepared healthily - steamed, grilled or sauteed without heavy sauces. For nutritional information, check out this great restaurant-specific guide or fast food list. If you have an iPhone, download the Restaurant Nutrition app - you will have nutritional information at your fingertips.
- Plan for the Bacchanalian events. Sometimes you know which ones they will be, and sometimes they just crop up. Eat healthily at all the other meals, and then be moderate when the big meals arrive. Eat some of your local snacks beforehand so you don't pig out mindlessly. Then when you get there, order mindfully. Have fun, just practice moderation.
- Drink water. It's easy to get dehydrated when you are on the move or in a new place - carry your water bottle around and remember to drink.
- Plan time for travel exercise. If you're at a hotel, they often have work-out rooms or pools. You can also hit the road - go for a walk or a run.
- Don't beat yourself up over slip-ups. You're human. If you have a decadent evening, take note of it and how you feel the next day, then move on. Get back on your healthy regime the next day, and stick with it.
Exercise: Ran 4.75 miles, 75 min. Ashtanga yoga (haven't done Ashtanga in a while; it was like coming home)
