Tips for Healthy Traveling

With 42 million people traveling for the 4^th this year (up 5% from last year) a good question is asked, “How do I stay healthy while traveling?”

It is a challenge to stay healthy during any business or vacation travel. Many people end up gaining weight after their trips because of not eating healthy, sitting on airplanes or in cars and meeting rooms for hours at a time as well as being stressed. Traveling causes people to eat fast food and forego exercise because of draining energy levels and time constraints.

Here are some guidelines to adhere to while traveling.

Nutrition

Plan ahead

• Eat a healthy meal before getting in the car or going to the airport
• Don’t eat on the airplane
• Pack light, healthy snacks to bring with you (trail mix, crackers, peanut butter sandwich, fresh fruit, granola bar)

Avoid items loaded with fat and salt

• This includes hotel breakfast options such as sausage, bacon, and fried potatoes
• Pass on the fast food breakfasts

Minimize your intake of fried and fatty foods

Don’t overeat

• Especially at buffets! You’ll feel it later while back in your hotel room
• It makes you sluggish
• It overworks your pancreas and lowers your immunity
• Instead, try sharing appetizers or entrees with a friend while dining

Limit your alcohol intake

Limit your caffeine intake

• Don’t drink more coffee than you normally do

Health

Wash your hands

• The best way to prevent from getting a communicable disease

Get adequate sleep

• Utilize taking naps

Drink lots of water

Exercise

Use the hotel/cruise ship gym – even 20 minutes will help prevent weight gain

Do laps in the hotel pool if there is one (always pack your swimwear)

If the neighborhood around the hotel is safe, take a brisk walk outside

Do basic calisthenics plus low impact cardio inside your hotel room

It is possible to stay healthy during your travels. Although you may have to take some extra efforts to get the proper nutrition and exercise during your time away from home, you will be rewarded at the end of your trip.

Happy travels!