How do I eat healthy while on vacation?

Q:  “How do I eat healthy while on vacation?“

Dr Allegra says….

A:  Figuring out how to eat healthily while you travel can be confusing. It often seems there are no “good choices”, but this is typically not the reality.

Traveling is often seen as a free-for-all where anything goes with your food. Diet plans and exercise seems to be thrown out the window and a “whatever” mindset often sinks in.

This usually leads to having to “recover” from your vacations or even feeling bloated and ill while you travel. Nobody wants to go on vacation and feel crappy. If you want to go on vacation and continue to feel good, it is wise to make a plan to eat better while you travel.

I usually pack enough for a few meals including food to replace the airplane meals. I’m lucky if I can eat 25% of what is served to me on a plane so I never count on that being edible. I’ll stock up on travel-friendly foods that can handle being crushed and don’t require refrigeration.

There are many ways to make eating healthy on the go easier. Here are my tips for making good food choices while on vacation.

1.  Research the area– find out what restaurants are available in the area. I will search for “paleo restaurants” in the city I’ll be staying, this term helps to locate restaurants that are open to “alternative” diets. You might consider using search terms like “dairy-free”, “keto”, or “grain-free” to find the right fit for you. It is likely someone may have already created a list of healthy restaurants.

2.  Locate grocery options– locate any nearby grocery stores so you have a place to purchase your basics. Making at least 1 meal a day on your own is not only a great way to eat better but also save money.

3.  Stay with a kitchen– rent an apartment or suite with a kitchen. Check out Airbnb to find great options. Having a kitchen on hand expands your food options tremendously.

4.  Get a fridge– ask for a fridge in your hotel room to keep some basic food options on hand and store restaurant leftovers.

5.  Pack foods and snacks– make sure to pack travel-friendly food to eat along the way to fill in gaps with your healthy food options. I like things like jerky, crackers, trail mixes, and fruit and nut bars. I also travel with a lot of collagen, powdered protein to mix into water or meals, to ensure I will always have a way to add more protein to my meals and snacks.

6.  Check with your hotel’s restaurant before you go. Call ahead to talk to the kitchen to find out if they can meet your dietary needs. You can also ask them about local grocery store options nearby.

Do you have other tips on how to eat well while traveling? Leave a comment and please share!

7.  Do your best and let the rest go! Plan, prepare… and then allow yourself to enjoy the journey.

Planning will be your best friend when you want to prioritize your health.

When I plan my food I have much more time to enjoy my surroundings and actually RELAX on my vacations, that’s what vacations are for, right?!

Do you have other tips on how to eat well while traveling? Leave a comment and please share!

In Health,

If you have a question for Dr. Allegra you would like considered, please submit it to info@naturaeclinic.com with the subject “The Doctor Is In Question”.