Health Tips On-the-Go

Traveling is exciting; you get to go somewhere new and out of your regular routine, and you usually get to try new restaurants and meet new people.

Because of the new scenery and change, sometimes our day-to-day routines get left behind. This means fatigue, digestive issues, and just simply feeling "off."

To keep you feeling your best, regardless of where you're going, I've listed my top practices for healthy eating when you’re on the go. After all, the whole point of travel is to come back refreshed.

1. Do your research. Become familiar with the food and wellness options close to your accommodations. Call ahead or create a game plan for exercise and healthy eating before you get there.

But also, be flexible: It's not going to be perfect, and you shouldn't expect it to be. Stay mindful and protect your wellness the best you can.

2. Have healthy snacks. I always encourage being satiated by a lighter meal so you’re not hungry at the airport or on a road trip. However, for early morning or late night flights, eating doesn't always sound appealing.

As an alternative, pack snacks that have clean protein, healthy fat, and some fiber to keep your blood sugar balanced and cravings under control. Try your best to avoid eating airplane food (unless necessary), and limit or avoid alcohol and high sodium foods.

Here are some examples: pre-made chopped salad, veggies/hummus, avocado, nut/seed butter packs, lemon, salmon packs (but not on the plane, please!), cucumber, homemade trail mix, hard-boiled eggs, dark chocolate (70%+)

Try: Foods to Boost Your Mood with Cassie Brown

3. Your sleep and comfort are a priority. Doing your best to keep your regular bedtime routine will help avoid jet lag, exhaustion, and decreased executive functioning. Whether it's packing calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, utilizing headphones, a pillow, an eye mask (or a beauty routine), a blanket, or herbal tea, building a go-to toolkit for sleep is essential while traveling.

Try: Sounds of Sleep by Curtis Smith

4. Stay hydrated: This means more water and less salt intake. Any traveling can be dehydrating, especially flying. So, avoid the extra drinks (i.e., coffee and alcohol) until you land, and stick to water and herbal, non-caffeinated teas.

5. Move! Keep your body moving every day and walking, stretching, or pulling out your phone, pulling up a 15-20 minute yoga flow in Alkeme. Prioritize exercise snacking: If you can’t seem to get yourself to dedicate 30 minutes to a workout, split it up throughout your day!

Try: Morning Flow by Naomi Hutchinson

I always keep mini bands in my luggage to pull them out wherever. I've even done some exercises on the plane to keep my blood circulating.

BONUS: REMEMBER to take deep breaths and prioritize a routine for managing stress.

Most of us forget to take deep breaths throughout our days but it's even more important to engage in a breathing practice when we feel under pressure when we’re on the go or out of our normal routine. To nurture your nervous system incorporate meditation, journaling, listening to music and mindful eating.

Try: Mindful Eating While Busy by Cassie Brown