Health Travel Tips
I don’t always make healthy choices on vacation, but most of the time, I do!
Here are a few healthy travel tips that I have implemented in the past.
- BYOS- Bring your own spices. I have been known to carry Himalayan Pink Salt, garlic, rosemary, and/or turmeric in my purse. It’s easier to order a healthy dish like steamed vegetables with plain fish when you know you can add your tasty spices. Table salt found in restaurants has added synthetic chemicals, including anti-caking agents/MSG, toxic amounts of potassium iodide, and aluminum derivatives. Not to mention, table salt is typically bleached.
- Commit to at least 1 healthy meal per day. In my opinion, vacation should include trying new dishes and not worrying about food. However, you don’t have to completely neglect good nutrition on your trip. In the past, I’ve brought a Magic Bullet blender in my carryon. I made a daily smoothie with Athletic greens powder, leafy greens, fiber, cinnamon/turmeric, coconut milk, and berries. It was reassuring because I knew if I made poor choices the rest of the day, I at least got some greens and nutrients in. Not to mention, it usually had a positive effect on my meal choices the rest of the day. I felt full, free of sugar cravings, and had the energy I needed to make healthy choices. You don’t have to be extreme, but if you’re dining out three times a day, aim for at least one meal that is nutritious. For example, you could order a veggie omelet for breakfast or large plate of steamed veggies with fish for lunch. Your body will thank you!
- Pack workout DVDs or a resistance band. Doing a short, intense workout in your hotel room like T25 or Insanity Max 30 is a great way to stay active on your trip. You don’t even have to walk down to the hotel gym or change out of your pjs!
- Get outdoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of his/her life indoors. The EPA has found that our indoor environment is two to five times more toxic than our outdoor environment. Travel is the perfect excuse to get outside… If you are somewhere warm, go for a hike or walk, play tennis, go to the beach, explore!
- Do apple cider vinegar (ACV) shots. Pack or pick up some raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for your trip! If taken with a high-carb meal, it can improve insulin sensitivity by 19-34%. It reduces blood sugar spikes and has many health benefits. Since you may be eating excess carbs on your trip, drink a tablespoon or two of ACV every day to lessen the blood sugar spike. Warning: This healthy travel tip does not taste good.
- Pick dessert OR alcohol, not both. If you must indulge in some sugar or alcohol for recreational purposes, just pick one. You can have it all, but not all at once.
- Pack healthy food. Raw nuts, avocados, kale chips (without sugar or agave added), berries, BPA-free canned fish (sardines, anchovies, wild salmon, etc.), 85-100% cacao dark chocolate, and Bulletproof collagen bars are good options. Failing to plan is planning to fail. I love ordering my travel goodies on Thrive Market because they offer healthy food at a big discount (it’s like Costco for food).
- Ask for sauce on the side. You probably already know that most restaurants load up their fish/protein dishes and salads with sugary glazes or creamy sauce. By getting no sauce, you’re one step closer to making your meal more wholesome and healthy. Another thing I like to do: ask for olive oil instead of salad dressing. You could also bring your own brain octane oil to pour on your steamed or plain veggie/fish dish.
- Take Activated Coconut Charcoal with a questionable meal. Activated charcoal is a supplement that can remove up to 100 times the charcoal’s own weight in toxins. “Charcoal has been used in Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Western Medicine as an absorbent agent to many poisons and intestinal issues (Source: Bulletproof).” Great if you drink alcohol or eat unhealthy food!
- If you can, order oysters. Raw oysters contain more zinc than any other food. They are one of the healthiest foods you’ll find at restaurants. They are rich in minerals and omega-3 fatty acids (good for heart health).
Share your healthy travel tips in the comments below! Thank you for reading!
