It’s winter and holiday time, so many of us are traveling!
Traveling can be fun, but also stressful. One of the things that many people complain about when traveling is the lack of healthy food choices. I have noticed a trend toward more healthy choices at airports and gas stations in the last few years, so, I am optimistic about the future of eating healthier while traveling.
The food options I see at airports are usually Starbucks, newsstand snacks, fast foods, bars and a few restaurants that may have a couple of salads or vegetables on the menu. Rarely do I find organic food, even though sometimes they are there! I always try to ask. One negative thing about the abundance of food options is that many of the airports or gas stations carry more “convenience” foods than nutritious ones, so making healthy decisions is not always easy.
Here are a few helpful tips that can make your travel healthier in the food category. Especially over the winter and holidays, it’s not uncommon to get stuck in airports for long periods of time. When this happens, many of us tend to go snack or eat as a way of entertaining ourselves while waiting for our flight. So, I suggest preparing a few snacks or a meal at home before leaving on your trip. As long as they are prepackaged foods or are in clear containers, you can bring snacks to enjoy while you wait to board the flight or even eat while in the air.
Healthy, organic snacks like organic fruit, nuts, whole-grain, gluten-free crackers, bite-sized raw veggies, and sugar-free, organic, raw food or granola bars easily fit into a carry-on bag, and will keep you from needing to buy anything more than a drink at the airport. I like to make a whole grain, gluten-free sandwich, which is delicious and easy to eat. I also love to take an already peeled orange or grapefruit, that has been separated into bite size pieces.
Along with this, I put in a few napkins, paper towels, a few wet paper towels in a baggy to use to wipe my hands, or some non-toxic hand cleaning wipes, like the ones by Young Living Oils, so I can clean my hands before and after having my snack. This is especially important if traveling with small children.
Another idea is to eat a full meal before leaving your home, negating the need to snack or feast while at the airport, and giving you enough time to begin digesting your food before boarding the plane. Preparing or choosing your own food ensures that you make the best possible choices – and have no reason to consume something undesirable.
I also always take along a great book, magazine or games (cards, backgammon, mad libs) with me, so I have something entertaining to do while I am waiting. Then I don’t feel the need to entertain myself eating junk at a local food court.
Research the airport, the city, and the hotels. Each airport offers different options for dining, and you may overlook some great options. Gift shops, kiosks and the newsstands often sell snacks like fruit and mixed nuts, which are preferable to sugary and fatty treats. But read the ingredient list on the back. Many of these snacks have added sugar in them and the packaging can be misleading.
You never know when a flight will be cancelled and your layover extended, so make sure to be prepared for emergencies. Having had this happen to me multiple times, I have learned to pack an emergency outfit and overnight things in a carry on, just in case of a lost bag, an unexpected delay, or simply a spilled beverage.
Select foods carefully. If you have to eat from a restaurant, don’t choose anything too heavy, even if you are facing a long flight. Food that will settle in the stomach can cause discomfort during a flight, and even increase the necessity of using the airplane’s bathroom.
Avoid sugary and caffeinated foods, which will spike your blood sugar, can make you jittery and are dehydrating. Eating fried foods can cause stomachaches and queasiness. Eating wholesome, well-balanced meals can ensure a more comfortable flight.
Drink lots of water, coconut water, or tea. Sodas, coffee, and alcohol can cause dehydration. Staying hydrated while traveling is extremely important. Sometimes I actually find coconut water, Fiji water, or even Kombucha (a probiotic drink) at the airport or gas station, and I feel this is a healthier “water” than many of the ones offered. So, splurge on a bottle of good spring water or coconut water or organic kombucha when you get past security, before boarding your plane.
If you are concerned about the price of buying water, you can bring an empty bottle that can be refilled multiple times. This allows you to drink as much as you want for no cost. They approve of stainless steel, but they took my glass water bottle away, even though it was empty at the time, so be aware of that as a possibility.
Also, one thing that is very important when traveling is to stretch and walk around a little, but frequently. We all need to get our lymphatic system moving, so that we don’t get any inflammation. Stop, get up and stretch, and walk at least once an hour, if possible.
Take some magnesium every day so you can avoid muscle cramping or restless leg syndrome, and it will also keep your emotions calm and reduce stress. This will keep your body and mind feeling much better and your body will be glad you did.
I wear my , and when I combine the X39 with the X49, this combination helps protect my body from radiation.
A doctor told me once that taking one airplane flight is like having 30 X-rays. Because of this, I try to protect myself from the radiation.
So, next time you are leaving on a trip, take a few healthy snacks, a book or game, and a layers of clothing with you. Preparing ahead of time can save your trip and your waistline.
I wish you joyful and healthful traveling!
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Medical Disclaimer:
Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.
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