The Art of Travelling Well: Nutrition as Your Companion
Travelling is an enriching experience that broadens horizons, sparks inspiration, and fosters personal growth. However, amidst the excitement of exploring new destinations, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet often takes a backseat. Yet, nutrition is vital for sustaining energy levels, supporting immune function, and enhancing overall well-being, especially during travel. This blog aims to elucidate the significance of nutrition while travelling and provide practical strategies for nourishing oneself on the go. Sidenote this can apply to all types of holiday, whether actively travelling country to country or going to one location for a one or two week trip. The rules go sideways for 18-30’s style holidays! Are those still a thing?!
Nutrition serves as the cornerstone of health, influencing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When embarking on journeys, whether for leisure or business, maintaining optimal nutrition becomes paramount. Travelling often disrupts routine eating habits, exposing individuals to unfamiliar foods, erratic meal timings, and limited healthy options. Consequently, neglecting proper nutrition can lead to fatigue, digestive discomfort, weakened immunity, and diminished travel experiences. How many of us think yahoo I’m on holiday I can eat and drink whatever I want! Like we are giving ourselves a pass to go crazy. Whilst this feels fun, liberating and indulgent, at what cost does it impact our health, both physically and mentally.
Strategies for Travelling Well with Nutrition:
- Plan Ahead: Researching dining options and grocery stores at your destination can help you make informed choices. Look for restaurants that offer nutritious options or have customisable menus to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Pack Snacks: Carrying portable, nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, whole fruit, granola bars, dried fruit and organic dark chocolate pieces can prevent hunger pangs and unhealthy food choices during transit or sightseeing.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common pitfall while travelling. Carry a reusable water bottle and prioritise hydration, especially in dry or hot climates. Opt for water over sugary beverages to avoid empty calories. In most airports now there are receptacles to empty your water bottle before security and then refill points throughout the airport.
- Choose Wisely: When dining out, prioritise meals rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Look for grilled, steamed, or baked options instead of fried or heavily processed foods. Consider local specialties that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Depending on locations, choose wisely on whether the fresh salads are indeed fresh. Poor water quality, that the salad has been washed in, can sometimes lead to an upset tummy. Perhaps opt for lightly steamed veg instead.
- Balance Indulgences: While it's tempting to indulge in decadent treats or exotic cuisines, strive for balance. Enjoying occasional indulgences is part of the travel experience but aim to incorporate nutritious choices into your meals whenever possible.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating or undereating. Practice mindful eating by savouring each bite, chewing slowly, and appreciating the flavours and textures of your food.
- Supplement Wisely: Consider packing essential supplements like vitamins, probiotics, or digestive enzymes to support immune health and digestion, especially if travelling to regions with different dietary norms or hygiene standards.
- Be Flexible: While it's essential to prioritise nutrition, being flexible and adaptable is equally important. Embrace the spontaneity of travel while making conscious choices to nourish your body and mind.
I personally always pack snacks for my adventures, from oatcakes, nuts, chocolate and nibbly things. Airport food can be fine on the hop, usually very over-priced but you can still find some decent food in the nooks. I sometimes grab a fresh green juice from Pret and a back-up salad/sandwich if things are looking ropey/delayed etc. I always take a small tub of vitamins, from multi’s to Magnesium. Probiotics can be a good shout if travelling to areas where bellies can become compromised. I have never met someone who has been to India and escaped a dodgy belly bug!
By prioritising nutrition during travel, you can reap benefits, including:
- Sustained energy levels for exploring new destinations and engaging in various activities.
- Enhanced immune function to ward off illnesses and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
- Improved mood and overall well-being, fostering a positive mindset and lasting memories.
- Reduced risk of digestive discomfort or food-related illnesses, ensuring a comfortable journey.
- Empowerment to make conscious food choices that align with personal health goals and values.
Travelling well involves more than just reaching destinations; it encompasses nurturing oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. By embracing nutrition as a vital aspect of travel, individuals can embark on journeys with vitality, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for diverse culinary experiences. With mindful planning, smart choices, and a flexible mindset, anyone can savour the joys of travel while nourishing body and soul along the way. Remember, wherever your travels may take you, let nutrition be your steadfast companion on the road to wellness and adventure.
Sally Munro is a Registered Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, Yoga Teacher and Director of Simply Swim Aberdeen swim school. Working with clients of all ages and stages of life, Sally focuses on the simple steps you can take towards improving your health and wellbeing.
website: www.sallymunro.co.uk
email: hello@sallymunro.co.uk
Instagram: @salthewellnesswarrior
Facebook: Simply Swim Aberdeen