Healthy habits on the road
I think this sandwich would be amazing to pack and bring along on a road trip. Travel meal goals.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
I’ve been a pescatarian (vegetarian + fish) for about 20 years. You’d think by now I’d have this whole eating-on-the-road thing figured out. But alas, it seems to be a lifelong journey.
I’m happy to report I’ve learned some things recently that I plan to continue. Why? Because an occasional less-than-ideal meal here and there is fine, but I feel crummy if I’m not regularly eating fruits, veggies, and quality grains and proteins. My energy wanes, my stomach feels weird, and I get crabby.
Here are my new goals for wellness while traveling:
Eat low-processed, plant-based protein, fruits and veggies at least two meals per day. Ideally, these will be freshly made, if possible.
Reduce the waste I generate while traveling.
Get 20 or more minutes of movement every other day.
I think these are realistic and doable if I plan ahead.
During recent holiday travels, we had some successes. We discovered the joys of looking ahead on Google Maps to where we might want to stop, finding a natural foods co-op with a deli, or a restaurant that serves freshly made meals with lots of veggie options. We remarked each time how much better we felt after eating at those places instead of a fast food restaurant. I felt full and satisfied, but not sluggish and lethargic. My stomach didn’t roil with indigestion. I felt like I’d done myself a favor, instead of merely satisfying my hunger with something quick. These places were often quite a way off from the interstate, so the trip took us longer overall, but it felt worthwhile.
We did make one stop where the food wasn’t so fresh; it was highly processed, and I didn’t feel great afterward. I’m grateful for that meal. It did fill us. The staff came in to work on a holiday, and I’m so thankful. I want to feel gratitude for whatever I eat, whether it’s from a gas station, a fast food restaurant, or a natural foods store, because it’s not something to take for granted. For me to have these options is a great privilege. But because I do have options, and I can make choices, I want to make ones that help me feel the best possible. So going forward, we’ll probably stick to the food co-ops and other fresh deli-type places when possible. I’ve noticed some gas stations now carry fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, and other nutrient-dense options, so I’ll try to take advantage of that.
I’m also on the lookout for simple, satisfying meals to make ahead and bring in a cooler. I could easily make a whole grain sandwich with hummus and veggies, maybe with a side of fruit. I could pack peanut butter and a banana for a high-fiber and protein snack.
For exercise, I try to get in several walks or hikes wherever I go. I look ahead to see if the hotel has a gym, and I try to use it at least once while I’m there. The novelty of a new place to work out weirdly excites me. Once I even did pilates on a beach in Florida and it was dreamy. Resistance band workouts feel good to me, so I toss those in my suitcase as a backup. My workouts are not fancy or all that intense, but they ease the muscle tension from travel and boost my energy, and those things matter to me.
Soon I’ll be taking several domestic flights to conferences. I’ve asked a fellow coach, Beth Jennings, who travels a lot to share her great tips on how to maintain healthy habits when you’re not at home. (Hear how she stayed healthy while living in Antarctica.) In fact, the whole reason we met was because she shared her bell peppers and hummus with me at a conference we were both working at, and I admired how she had sought out a grocery store to stock up on healthy snacks. As we talked, we learned we were both wellness coaches. Serendipitous.
Stay tuned for more healthy travel tips, and please share your own with me. I’m always eager to hear new ideas!
May your upcoming travels be safe and satisfying.
Want extra support? I’m here to walk alongside you and explore what that change might look like, whether it be increasing your energy level and mental clarity, reducing stress, sleeping better and feeling more rested, rediscovering your career passion, or reconnecting with loved ones. Schedule a free 15-minute wellness coaching consultation here.