Now that it’s summer in the northern hemisphere, a lot of us are either already on vacation or leaving soon and a common question I have been getting is how to stay healthy when you’re travelling and not at home. So here are my tips and some suggestions 🙂
1. Bring healthy snacks
I always bring healthy snacks and food items with me when travelling. One item that’s always bound to be in my suitcase when I go aways is gluten-free oats. I usually like to fill little individual baggies with a mixture of oats, chia and flaxseed and sometimes even a little protein powder. Then in the mornings all I do is add boiling water (most hotel rooms have a kettle or you can request plain hot water). Cover my oats with the boiling water, and place a second plate over the plate with the oats. That way the heat gets trapped and you can “cook” your oats :). After about 10-15min they should be done and you can add fresh fruit (most hotels should provide you with fresh fruit, or bring your own dried fruit). I even like to take my ziplock baggy with my oats and seeds with me on plans, when travelling overnight.
Snacks I took on my vacation to Mauritius with me
Took my oats and a orange on the plane with me to NYC
Made the oatmeal, as mentioned above and topped it with a peach. Enjoy as a snack in Mauritius on the beach.
Another one of my staples would have to healthy snack bars, as they’re super convenient and easy to throw in your purse and bring with you when you’re out and about. Now here’s where you’ve got to be careful. A lot of so-called “healthy” snack bars that claim to be super good for you, if you go ahead and look at the actual ingredients they really aren’t much better than a snickers. So always make sure to check the ingredient list (read more about this in: do you know what’s in the food you’re eating?) before purchasing. Two of my all time favourite brands when it comes to healthy yet delicious snack bars would have to be: Raw Bite and Lifefood.
chocolate plus lifebar by lifefood
Ingredients in the Chocolate Lifebar plus bar by Lifefood: Dates, Almonds, Hemp Protein Power, Pumpkin Seeds, Raw Almond Paste, Raw Cacao Paste, Raw Cacao Powder, Virgin Coconut Oil, Spirulina Powder, Vanilla
vanilla & berries bar by raw bite
Ingredients in the vanilla berries bar by Raw-Bite: Dates, Almonds, Cranberry, Cherry, Mulberry, Raisins, Vanilla
2. Go grocery shopping
Once I have arrived at my destination one of the things I like to do is go check out a local grocery store. We usually buy water (often cheaper than the water in the hotels minibar) and lots of local fruit and veggies that can easily be stored in the hotels minibar fridge. That way you always have something healthy to grab whenever you want something to nibble on, or take to the beach/on trips with you.
3. Stay active
Staying active while being away can often times seem daunting. But it really isn’t that hard. Most hotels have a gym and often times they even offer different exercise classes you can participate in. A great way to try something new and who knows maybe discover a new form of exercise you enjoy.
Something I find has often times really come in handy and I always like to take with me, even if I assume I won’t need it, is a jump rope. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and can provide you with a great exercise pretty much anywhere in a short amount of time. Did you know that jump roping is great for your stomach, arms, back, and legs? Not only that but it’s a great cardiovascular exercise too. Try jump roping for 20-50 seconds (depending on your activity level) and then resting for 20-30 seconds. Repeat this 15-20 times and you there you have it. A quick yet intense workout.
Another thing is simply staying active. It doesn’t always have to be actively working out. Hiking up local mountains, evening strolls on the beach, taking surfing lessons, swimming and diving or even shopping are all great. Not only do you get to discover new things, have fun with your family but they are actually all great forms of exercise aswell.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask
This is pretty simple, don’t be afraid to ask your hotel or restaurant for certain things. Often times they are more than happy to help. Remember you are the guest and all they’re trying to do is serve you. So whether it’s asking if you could have a salad instead of fries with your order, asking for the dressing on the side or some hard-boiled eggs and veggies. Never be afraid to ask for what you want 🙂
Delicious breakfast with local fruit from the buffet in Mauritius
5. Look for healthy restaurants
Now this can be harder if you’re going on a beach vacation, but one of my favourite things to when visiting big citys is researching healthy restaurants beforehand. I have literally had some of the best meals and discovered my favourite restaurants ever whilst travelling. Weather its juice bars, organic, vegan or even raw vegan restaurants. Definatly check ahead of time, there are some amazing places out there.
Fresh coconut water in Mauritius
A delicious completly raw and vegan dinner from Pure Food and Wine in NYC
“Take out” breakfast with my mum in NYC from Juice Press. Nutritious, delicious, raw and vegan!
Dinner at SAF, an amazing vegan restaurant in london! This was their mexican raw tostada, described as a dehydratted courgette tostada topped with a walnut-almond and sun-dried tomato chili, rhubarb salsa, fresh guacamole and a side salad. Yumm!
6. Enjoy yourself 😀
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and your vacation. Don’t worry too much about the food or your workout routine. You are there to have fun, enjoy yourself and relax so do just that and enjoy your vacation! Try local food, have your favourite ice cream or lie on the beach without moving all day. This is your vacation and you deserve it! 🙂 Don’t worry about it and just make sure you get right back on track once your back.
Hope this helped and travel save!Have a lovely and healthy day guys ♥
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