Travel with Confidence: Healthy Hacks

Just because you have you have travel plans, doesn't mean you need to compromise your health & wellness goals! Sure, vacations are meant to be fully enjoyed from trying the local food, to indulging in sweets & drinks, but you don't need to completely throw in the towel. All it takes is a little preparation! I've complied a few of my favorite travel hacks to keep you feeling healthy & energized during your trip.

1. Bring your own snacks! Protein is typically the macronutrient that will be hardest to snag while on the road so I like to have my own protein sources on hand. Some of my favorites are protein powder to simply mix with water, tuna packets, and canned chicken. For carb sources, oatmeal packets are easy to bring along and you can always ask for hot water at restaurants to cook it. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges are also very travel friendly and packed with vitamins and fiber. Double win! Nuts & seeds are a great source of fat to carry along and usually come in convenient single serving packs to travel with. I also typically bring protein bars which contain all macronutrients incase I need a meal replacement in a pinch.

2. Carry a reusable water bottle! While you can't bring liquids through TSA, you can bring your own empty water bottle and fill it up at a water fountain afterwards. Definitely beats paying $5 for a tiny water bottle at the airport. Staying hydrated is crucial when flying (and always) to combat dehydration in the air.

3. Try to be mindful of balanced meals! While it's certainly okay to indulge on vacation, finding meals on the menu that contain a protein, carb, and fat source will keep you feeling more satisfied and energized throughout the day.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions! When eating out, you can always ask for dressings & sauces on the side to control your own portions. I love to ask for salsa as a low calorie alternative to dressing. You can also usually substitute most items on the menu such was swapping fried items for grilled, french fries for veggies, and fruit instead of toast.

5. Don't stress! Stressing over maintaining the perfect diet will end up doing more harm than good. Stress can cause inflammation and digestive distress. Give yourself some grace and remember that vacation is all about creating memories. Simply enjoy your time and get back on track when you get home. Your body is smart and will bounce back quick!