October 3, 2017
Eating Hacks for Travelling
Over the last few years I have been forced to re-think how I eat when I am outside the home. I have a job where I travel regularly, from city to city and airport to airport. Eating healthy on the road is a challenge requiring creativity and commitment. Travelling used to be an excuse to eat whatever I like, as I thought there was nothing healthy available. As my travel increased, so did my waistline and I realized that I couldn’t continue this lifestyle. Here are some of the best tips and tricks I have discovered while travelling across Canada.
Prepare
Prepare as much as possible. As the saying goes, if you fail to prepare you prepare to fail!! The degree of preparation can vary with the type of travel that is required. If it is a trip where I am driving 3-4 hours I bring as much as I can with me. For example, a trip I took just after Christmas was a 4 hour drive and I was away the entire week. I prepped 3 days worth of portioned, whole meals – in my favourite containers from Amazon and packed them in my cooler! Other times it may just be a few homemade protein balls or banana oat muffins that will keep me focused and then I stock up with I arrive at my destination.
Regardless, always make sure you have your favourite water bottle and travel mug with you. If you’re travelling via air, just make sure they are empty when going through security. I strongly recommend bringing your containers so you can replenish with new meals from the local grocery store. Seriously, I wash containers in my hotel room bathroom sink!
Grocery stores are your friend!
You are not forced to eat at restaurants every meal! Grocery stores are now friendlier than ever to busy lifestyles, while maintaining a focus of health! This is amazing, and really helps to keep you on track while travelling!
Stock Up on Pre-cut Fruit & search for Salad bars! Search for grocery stores that have either fresh salad bars (i.e. Farm Boy) or prepackaged salad bar (i.e. Loblaws.) Just don’t get drawn into the high fat dressings that come with the salads. Opt for a low fat, non-GMO option from the coolers.
Proteins – The 2 main protein sources I take advantage of while on the road are the no drain tuna (no can openers required!) and the pre-cooked chicken/turkey breasts (choose an option with no preservatives and low sodium.) These are great on salads, or on their own with steamed veggies and brown rice.
Steamable Veggie Bags- These are great options and an easy way add variety to your veggie choices. Just throw the bag in the microwave and enjoy!!
Delicious Snack Options- Some staples from me are the hummus single portions cups. I eat these regularly with raw veggies. Another favourite is the single portion guacamole cups. You use this to top your eggs in the morning or again dip with raw veggies. Finally, I typically have Quest bars on hand to combat the sweet cravings.
This is an example of the grocery haul for this week of hotel living.
Choose hotels wisely
Whenever possible;
- Reserve rooms with fridge, coffee maker & microwave. This will give you the amenities that you need to stay on track. If you end up getting a room without a fridge make sure you bring large freezer bags to fill with ice to keep your food cold.
- Most hotels offer continental breakfast bar with some good options. Choose things like hard boiled eggs, yogurt, and fruit.
- Take advantage of the complimentary coffee & tea stations. Sometimes these are even available 24 hours! This will keep your travel mug full, without tempting your sweet tooth when the drive through attendant asks, “would you like a donut or pastry with that…”
Simple low maintenance foods that travel well
Here are a few staples that I don’t leave home without!
Breakfast Oatmeal Mason Jars– These are easy to throw in your suitcase and are so easy to make in the morning! Just add hot water from the hotel breakfast bar or coffee/tea station, or even from the Keurig in your room!
Recipe: Add 1/3-1/2 Cup Quick Oats 1tsp Cinnamon, 1 tsp chia, 1 tsp ground flax to a mason jar
Optional: Add Chopped apples, berries, or your fav fruit for a little extra flavour!
Franks’s Red Hot – I put that **** on everything! I always travel with a bottle of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. This is the most versatile condiment in my opinion, and it even boosts your metabolism! It works well on eggs, rice, chicken, and is a great way to spice up steamed veggies! By bringing this one key item it will keep your bags light and your meals flavourful!
Every trip for me poses a new challenge. I don’t look at it as a barrier, but as a new challenge to overcome and a chance to learn new strategies. These are strategies that I look forward to continuing to share with you all! More to come!
