My eyes tend to be hungrier than my stomach when I’m traveling. Trying new foods is my favorite way of getting to know a new city or country. Since picking up macro counting in 2020, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to be more mindful about my food choices. And now I want to share them with you so you know how to stay on top of your nutrition while traveling.
How to stay on top of your nutrition while traveling
- Plan ahead of time
A few days before a trip, I’ll pull out the Notes app on my phone to plan what foods I want to eat each day. I’ll typically pre-plan breakfast, lunch, and 1-2 snacks each day I’m away from home. I’ll leave dinner free so I can dine out. I also do this for the days I’m traveling to and from my destination. I like the guarantee that I’ll have something I enjoy eating and sits well with me.
- Package and label everything
When I’m traveling, I don’t want to spend my time worrying about what I’m going to eat for each meal. Hence the planning. I’d rather focus my attention on the activities I’m going to do. That’s why I package and label everything clearly so I know exactly what I’m eating and when. I use Post-It notes to label what I’m eating and pack it all in Stasher bags. They’re secure, sturdy, clear, and I love them.
- Keep it simple
I love an elaborate meal as much as the next person but when I’m traveling, I want something simple to prepare so I spend less time in the kitchen and more time exploring. I stick to simple ingredients that are easy to prepare and store. Here’s an example of a typical day of eating:
- Breakfast – oatmeal packet, egg whites, peanut butter packet, blueberries
- Lunch – tuna packets, rice cakes, eggs, greens
- Snacks – Greek yogurt, berries, protein bar, banana
- Dinner – restaurant food
Bonus tip: if you have leftovers at home that you need to get rid of, bring it with you! This saves you money and prevents unnecessary food waste
- Maximize on nutrients
I aim to have a balance of carbs, fats, and protein in my meals. Obviously, when you don’t have access to your kitchen and your own ingredients, it can be a bit more tricky to maintain a well-balanced diet. Most foods you buy out tend to be more carb and fat dominant which isn’t always a bad thing but protein tends to be lacking. That’s why I love bringing my own foods for a few meals; I’m more likely to hit my protein goals.
If you’re not tracking macros, not to worry! Just keep it simple: aim for whole foods and to have some carb, protein, and fat source in your meals.
- Be kind to yourself
When you’re traveling or on vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and indulge more than you planned to. It’s also easy to beat yourself up over it and feel guilty about it. This is your reminder that it’s not the end of the world if you end up eating more than you wanted to. You’re only human and honestly, food is fun and to be enjoyed! Yes, you may feel more bloated but once you go back to your usual meals and drink enough water, your body will feel more normal again. A few moments of increased food intake will just be little blips in the long run.
I hope my tips on staying on top of your nutrition while traveling help you in your trip planning! Is there anything you want to read more of or maybe you have tips of your own? Share your thoughts by posting a comment! 🙂