5 ways to eat healthy while travelling

It’s summer and that means one thing – holidays. The warmer months are peak travel time for Australians, and with that comes the tantalising delights of delicious treats, regularly dining out, and often a boost in our alcohol intake.

Making smart food and drink choices while you’re out exploring the world is easier than you think. It’s all about balance, and your body will thank you once you get home.

1. Indulge a little, but keep to your usual habits

When on holiday, you’re expected to relax and let your hair down! This is true to a point, but it’s just as important to stay healthy while you’re away. It’s one thing to enjoy the odd fried snack or indulgent meal, but for most of the time try to maintain a healthy eating pattern with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Remember, it’s all about balance. You might decide to give yourself the option of one treat a day – so if you have an indulgent breakfast, you might choose to skip dessert that night.

Of course, your options might be limited, which does make it difficult. It can help to research your destination and find out what foods are available, and where you could get them easily. Try the local markets for fresh food.

2. Don’t drink too much alcohol

Although it’s tempting to overindulge in alcohol while you’re away from home, remember that all alcohol contains ‘empty calories’. If you’re drinking most days of your trip, it will definitely start to add up. Alcohol can also lead to dehydration, which is important to be mindful of when you’re out and about.

If you do drink alcohol, drink safely and wisely. Alternate with non-alcoholic beverages and eat before or while you are drinking. Keep a count of your drinks, and remember that two standard drinks per day is the recommended limit.

"Pack some healthy snacks like crackers, low salt pretzels, cheese, dried fruit, nuts and seeds and low-sugar muesli bars or protein bars."

3. Drink plenty of water

Whether you are travelling to warmer or cooler climates, it’s important that you stay well hydrated. Make sure you have access to safe drinking water and carry water with you wherever you go to prevent dehydration.

When travelling by plane, your fluid needs increase due to the high altitude and low moisture levels in the cabin. If you are given a bottle of water during the flight, keep it and refill it with water throughout the flight.

4. Always have healthy snacks with you

If you are travelling by plane, doing long road trips or just seeing the sights around a beautiful city, always plan ahead and take healthy snacks with you. This will stop you from being tempted by junk food on stop-overs or at convenience stores. Pack some healthy snacks like crackers, low salt pretzels, cheese, dried fruit, nuts and seeds and low-sugar muesli bars or protein bars.

5. Research places to eat before you go

Trying to locate a good restaurant at the end of a busy day can be challenging in an unfamiliar place. It’s a great idea to do some research before you go about the local restaurants and markets at your destination.

If you are staying in self-contained accommodation, it’s good to know where the local supermarkets and fresh food markets are. Finding a memorable restaurant or fresh food market could be the highlight of your trip.

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