Are you worried about your summer vacation lineup getting your health and wellness goals back on track? If your answer is yes, we will feel you. Travel has been booked, beach days are planned, and pool parties are on the rise, but there are five travel hacks to track you down this summer.
All of our inner children are still illuminated with the idea of summer vacation. However, if you are suffering from digestive problems or have a weight loss regimen, the pain of anxiety may creep up to the idea that it deviates from the normal trench.
We sought the best tips from our registered dietitians to keep our digestion and weight goals on track during our trip this summer. (Tip: Preparation and exploration are encouraged equally.)
5 Travel Hacks
1. Travel Hacks: Strategically Plan Your Accommodation
When you are in the planning stage, we recommend considering choosing a long-term rental (such as Airbnb or a vacation rental with a kitchen) compared to a hotel. In this case, you can have better control over your food intake as you bring in and buy MS, RD, CDN, MS, RD, CDN, which is a dietitian specializing in gut health and diabetes in Hudson Valley, New York.
“If you are visiting (or staying with) family or friends, please check in with your host and offer to bring anything you need,” she continues. After all, you don’t want to be left behind with limited choices or pressured to deviate from foods that will make you feel good.
2. Travel Hacks: Always pack snacks
No matter where you go or stay, bringing your own healthy snacks is always a good idea. Doing so will help you raise your energy levels throughout the day, reduce hunger clues, and avoid feeling the need to buy low-nutritional fares once you officially enter the Hungry Zone.
“We’ve been working hard to get a lot of money,” said Jessica Straon Ma, a nutritionist specializing in kidney health in Houston, Texas. “As a bonus, prunes support digestion, prevent constipation and help to keep you comfortable while traveling.”
Tip: Hum’s Flath Me Fiber is another valuable addition to keeping your suitcase cravings, debrotting, and promoting digestive regularity while traveling.
Similarly, Strawn recommends keep ginger chews and tea on hand for a smoother travel experience. It is a proven natural treatment to alleviate stomach discomfort, whether it’s a trip, new food, or a time zone shift.
3. Travel Hack: Fill in Water all day
Not only will you stay hydrated for your energy and happiness (especially in the summer). It is also important to support digestion, support weight loss and reduce sweet drink cravings, Strawn says. “Mineral water was served most of the meals during my travels through 17 European countries, and helped me stay hydrated while avoiding high-calorie drinks like alcohol,” she shares.
In addition to choosing water as a drink at mealtime, pack your own reusable water bottle and carry (and refill) it all day long. Plain H2O is the gold standard, but Strawn enjoys sparkling mineral water for extra Zhuzh and hilarious satisfaction. (Be careful of your intake in case it causes bloating for you.)
4. Travel Hack: Preparing for eating out
Summer holidays often include restaurant meals. If you want to stick as close as possible to a typical regimen, Koenig suggests checking the menu before you arrive. “Special salads and extra vegetables highlight a more lean protein,” she advises. “You can also call ahead to ask about special orders.”
5. TravelHack: Explore the local culinary scene
Both digestion and weight can help keep things within normal range, but both nutritionists suggest leaning on fresh, new, local food during the holidays. “When traveling, embrace local food, including fresh peaches in the southeast, salmon in the northwestern region, Roman gelato, and jerk chicken in Caribbean Beach,” Strawn says.
And you don’t have to throw all your attention into the wind. “Pair meals with salads and vegetables to balance the flavors, prevent over-equipment and enjoy a nourishing, unforgettable cooking experience,” she continues.
Plus, Koenig suggests hitting a farmer’s market (or independent grocery stores) wherever travel takes you. “It’s a great way to meet locals and make fresh food available,” she shares. Additional bonus: “They can tell the best hikes in the area to keep their exercise rather than driving anywhere.”
Travel Hack Takeout
During your holiday this summer, you can balance everyday life with newness. The former (to plan some basics in advance, bring your own snacks, and investigate the food scene) will help you avoid indigestion and being too far from long-standing health and weight goals. Meanwhile, the latter allows you to lean on joy and exploration. After all, sacrifices and regrets have no rightful place on any itinerary.
“Taking a vacation means enjoying yourself,” Koenig concludes. “You may not be able to stay 100% plan, but if you plan ahead,” and “You don’t have to suffer from the outcome.”
