By Brenda Jaeck Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor, Lecturer and Workshop Facilitator

How do we take our healthy eating habits on the road? Plan ahead. Just like when we are home eating healthily it takes a little bit of planning.

Have snacks available – We can not always control our time frame when traveling (I can remember a three hour customs line in Mexico last December). Delayed flights, long lines, traffic – it’s all part of the journey. To combat this and avoid ruining to the nearest vending machine ALWAYS have snacks with you – -a bag of nuts is a must (they are filling, the fat and protein will keep you going for a long time and they are very portable and durable.) -portable fruit such as apples, pears or oranges are a great source of energy, fiber and even a little liquid. (be sure to eat them on this side of the customs line if traveling internationally or they may be confiscated) -dried fruit is very portable but be sure be conscious of how much you are eating – remember the fruit shrinks when it dries. As such, quantities can be deceiving. -veggies – carrots or snap peas tend to last a long time being carted around. Other veggies have a limited life, but will last a day – celery, radishes, and zucchini. You can pack in an insulated bag if room allows.

Water, water, water – Don’t forget about the water when traveling – air travel, being stuck in a car and stress in general can dehydrate us. Make sure to bring water with you AND drink it. Stop often and re-fill the supply. Not drinking enough water can make us tired, sluggish and constipated. All common on vacation. Hum, I wonder why.

Bring your own lunch – Particularly on airlines. Pack a lunch from home – using leftovers and your creative skill. Or, even stop somewhere on your way out of town. Most food will last a few hours without refrigeration. Or, again you can use an insulted bag or cooler if space allows.

Find a grocery store when you arrive – Many now have salad bars and are a great place to get a healthy lunch or re-stock snack supplies. I always check wholefoods.com and/or wildoats.com websites before leaving home. I print out store locations (including directions) of the areas I will be traveling to. You can also ask your hotel where the nearest grocery store is located.

Plan time for meals-Often on vacation we get wrapped up in having fun and snack on whatever is available all day. This can leave you unsatisfied and as such eating more than your fair share. To combat this – schedule in time to eat proper meals.

Remember reality will return – begin on vacation is not a license to eat everything that is not nailed down. Try and keep to your basic eating habits when away. Allowing for indulgences here and there is fine. You’ll feel better during your vacation and have an easier transition home if you maintain some semblance of order in your eating habits while traveling.

ENJOY the journey. Remember, the best part about traveling IS the journey – enjoy the process. Don’t return home more tired and stressed than when you left. Eat well and include down time. Have a great trip – enjoy the journey and the food!

About the Author
Brenda Jaeck is a Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor, Lecturer and Workshop Facilitator. She has a telephone based Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching practice where she guides people to a better place of balance using food as a focus and a tool. She also runs group programs and conducts workshops and retreats. You can visit her site www.seedstochange.com. You can also reach her at 917-213-9305 or by email at brenda@seedstochange.com.