It’s officially summer (woop woop!) and for many of you this means time for TRAVEL — extended vacations, weekend trips, camping, hiking + day-tripping galore.
I personally love any excuse to get out of my daily routine and take part in an adventure, but I also acknowledge for many of my clients and friends (as well as myself years ago) giving up a regimen can be a source of stress and anxiety — especially when it relates to weight and control over food.
Travel isn’t black and white — it forces you to live in the land of the gray (where you can’t predict/plan/control everything). Which makes following a diet or weight-loss plan particularly difficult, as they very much exist in the land of black and white (eat this, don’t eat that, these foods are bad, these foods are good, etc.).
Rather than focusing on strict rules or following a specific diet (unless food allergies/autoimmune conditions are involved), I help my clients develop other strategies that enable them to look and feel their best on vaca, while still having fun and enjoying the food.
Like figuring out a few non-negotiables they can realistically commit to daily to feel centered and balanced (drinking water, movement, supplements) or making a list of specific foods they’re excited to try on their trip (and allowing themselves to enjoy these without guilt) as well as clutter foods that they’re bound to be exposed to but don’t really care about (so they can then let go of these foods to have more space for the special foods they love).
And as a back-up strategy, we always design a healthy travel kit, which obviously includes on-the-go meals + snack options. These of course differ per client and their needs, but for the sake of today’s post I’m giving you a run-down of some of my personal, tried and true favorite options.
Happy Healthy Travels!
xx //
Lauren
HEALTHY TRAVEL SNACK + MEAL IDEAS —
**SNACK WARNING — If you tend to overdo it on the snacks even when you’re not hungry, try not to pack options that are too tempting or yummy (this especially goes for sweet treats we tend to crave like chocolate, granola, protein bars, etc.) Look for savory snacks that bridge the gap between meals when necessary and contain an adequate amount of protein, fat + fiber.
+ Crudite + Dip —
Try freshly sliced jicama, cucumbers and bell peppers drizzled in lime and sea salt to dip in sprouted hummus, tahini sauce or guacamole
You can mix with hot water for surprisingly satiating cup rich in protein, healthy fats and collagen that help to protect and heal your intestinal lining. If you’re not flying I’m a huge fan of these Keto Bone Broth Cups
These treats taste sweet but are still low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, so they’ll keep your blood sugar + energy levels stable, good as an on-the-go-snack, especially when camping, hiking or being active
+ Wild Tuna or Salmon Salad Mixed with Avocado Oil Mayo + Lemon —
Try eating with cucumber slices or serving over spinach, apples and walnuts
This is my favorite snack to take on a hike or day-trip (if going any longer it will need to be refrigerated). I love that it gives a healthy dose of plant-based protein, fat & fiber
This tends to hold up well as a meal out of the fridge for hours. I like to use broccolini, sweet potatoes, carrots and bell peppers, then top with avocado + tahini or chimichurri sauce for extra flavor and quality fat to squelch hunger
These are low in sugar and rich in protein and fiber. Just mix with hot water and try adding fresh berries + some creamy coconut butter for flavor + fat
+ Massaged Kale Salad —
Kale can hold up for days with dressing on it without getting gross/soggy. Try massaging some avocado, olive oil, lemon + sea salt into the leaves and topping with toasted nuts or seeds, sliced veggies or fruit and rotisserie chicken or smoked salmon to eat the day of travel (you’ll want to refrigerate if going longer)
These are awesome if you’re doing a hike, camping or embarking on a road trip (i.e. don’t try to bring on the plane). The coffee helps with energy while the collagen protein + mct oil help to stabilize blood sugar levels
These are probably my favorite sweet treat/snack to make. They’ll last for several days out of the fridge and are surprisingly satiating. They still contain quite a bit of natural sugar from dates so use sparingly
These avo chips are dried fresh at low temps until crispy (i.e. no oxidized nasty oils here) . You can also try Farmhouse Kulture Kraut Krisps — which are an extremely tasty way to get your daily dose of probiotics. I also love Siete’s Grain-Free Nacho Chips — just mind your portions as it can be easy to wolf down an entire bag.
I’m a big proponent of ACV shots to aid in digestion and detoxification as well as promote good gut health. These making taking them while traveling easy. Try taking 10 minutes before heavy meals or in the morning/before bed
You can get hot water on the flight or at a ton of restaurants. Peppermint, ginger and fennel tea are especially soothing on the tummy while flying and to combat bloat/digestive issues
If you bring a protein shaker (blender bottle) you can add this, chia or flax seeds and Chocolate Protein Powder for an on-the-go shake. Or try drizzling on salads, fruit or veggies or mixing in your coffee to add healthy fat for sustained energy
Charcoal binds to toxins and helps you safely excrete them out of the body. Use these when you’re traveling or after an indulgent dinner/ too much booze (they can even help prevent a hangover)
This supplement helps to support GABA production in the brain (GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for calming your central nervous system). Great for anxious flyers or if you’re worried about sleep quality while traveling
