Eating while traveling or on vacation can seem like an overwhelming task. Maybe you’re traveling with a group of family or friends, or you have activities planned that span much of the day. Maybe you have a really early or a really late flight, or are traveling during the winter months which can cause delays. I have recently experienced all of these things during traveling. These situations are only some of the reasons why eating while traveling can seem daunting.
Here are some things I try to remember when eating while traveling:
Eat 3 Meals, 2-3 Snacks
Even while traveling or on vacation, it is important to try to eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks. This will help us not get hangry. However it is important to remember that you do not use intuitive eating as a diet and impose rules and restrictions. Ellyn Satter has a great handout on “What Is Normal Eating?” Overall, she says “Eating is flexible. It varies in response to your hunger, your schedule, your food, and your feelings.” Try to approach eating with flexibility.
Bring Snacks
Bringing snacks can help refuel us during traveling, between meals, or to supplement a meal or snack out. I typically tend to bring a mix of snacks that are satisfying, fun, and functional. For instance, I bring foods like bars (a mixture of granola and protein bars), fruit snacks, prunes or apricots, and chocolate. Please use this list merely for ideas for what may honor your body and what may be satisfying to you. Also with this, try to plan ahead. Try to plan ahead with your group about when you may eat. If plans change or you don’t know, this is a great reason to bring some snacks in your bag!
Great foods for traveling:
Trail Mix
Bars (granola and protein bars)
Nuts
Chocolate
Apricots
Prunes
I bring a mixture of fast energy items and items that will sustain me depending on what I may need at that time.
I also like to bring foods that help keep me regular. Many of us may notice changes in bathroom habits with the increased stress of traveling and being in a new environment. Prunes and Apricots are examples of these types of foods.
Unconditional Permission
The last point I would like to make is food is just one aspect of traveling and your vacation. Yes, give yourself unconditional permission to eat the local fare but don’t forget to enjoy the culture and the experiences as well!
Overall, eating while traveling can be daunting and overwhelming. Do your best! If you’d ever like to work with a dietitian to help with this anxiety, we would love to work with you at Bamboo Nutrition.
This blog post came to you from one of our Snack With A Dietitian segments on instagram.
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