Tips for Healthy Traveling

Yesterday I shared my number one tip for healthy living while traveling. Today I share the rest of them! PB and I visit my family about once a month, and we also attend lots of weddings and other events outside of Philadelphia. That means we spend a lot of time in cars and on planes. Over the years I have learned how to continue my healthy lifestyle while traveling, and now I am sharing that knowledge with you!

**Note: This was originally posted in May 2010.

#1 Pack Snack Packs

See yesterday’s post for more information.

#2 Pack extra snacks for the return trip.

I always have a large ziploc bag in my suitcase for extra snacks for the return trip. Usually I pack raw almonds (or other nuts), dates, a few bars, and any fruit that would make it through a weekend in a suitcase (like oranges). If I am away for a longer period of time, I do my best to stop in a market to grab some items on the way home. On the way to the airport after the Foodbuzz Festival, Brittany of Eating Bird Food and I stopped at Whole Foods to pick up some items for our long plane rides home. You bet I was thankful when I still wasn’t home 8 hours later!

#3 Eat well 70% of the time, and try new or fun foods 30%.

Somehow having percentages in my mind makes it easier for me to focus on eating well. In Bora Bora I was not going to miss out on the incredible croissants, but I paired them with fresh fruit and ate a light salad every day for lunch to balance them out. At home I would not normally eat a croissant, but with a French baker preparing them daily in Bora Bora, I chose to eat them every day. To me, vacation is about enjoying oneself, and while I love healthy foods, I also love special treats. I didn’t gain a single pound on my honeymoon, despite eating my weight in croissants.

#4 Bring workout clothes even if you don’t think you will have time.

Before Amy & Joseph’s wedding, all my college friends made fun of me for planning to work out. Well, Saturday morning came around and I had a great workout while some of my friends wished they had brought their workout clothes. I did not miss out on anything fun since nothing was going on in the morning, and I felt great all day. Sometimes even a quick 20 minute workout is all you need!

#5 Make an exercise plan and stick to it.

In Rhode Island last weekend I scheduled a one hour gym class on Saturday morning, and a short run on Sunday. While I had to get up early both days to get in those workouts, I felt great all day after doing them. I even got to spend time with one of my best friends, Lauren, by taking the class together!

#6 Drink lots of water.

This might seem like a strange tip, but for some reason so many people forget to stay hydrated while traveling. I often mistake thirst for hunger, but I have learned to keep water in my purse when traveling for when I need a drink. Relying on flight attendants on a plane or buying a bottle of water at a rest stop just doesn’t work for me. I bring water, buy it from a market when I reach my destination, or pay $4 for a large bottle at the airport. I don’t mind spending money for something good for me.

#7 Go and read everyone’s comments from yesterday’s post! They had some great tips!