Because There Is No Vacation From Diabetes: Eating Well While Traveling
Staying on track with dietary goals can be difficult when traveling, and some of us don’t even try since we equate vacations with freedom to indulge.
Yet, it is possible to enjoy the cuisine at our destination without losing sight of glucose, or weight loss targets—and this can actually make our trip more enjoyable. Eating well keeps us more energized for daily adventures, and prevents us from having to “yo-yo” back to usual routines upon returning home.
Travel Tips
Though we can rely on common sense to guide our gustatory choices while away, here are a few on-the-go nutrition tips to consider:
- Accommodations. Booking accommodations via Airbnb, or renting an apartment for extended stays gives us access to a kitchen. Though we’re out and about much of the time when traveling, kitchens provide an opportunity to prepare at least one low-carb, nutrient rich, and fiber-full meal each day.
- Those staying in hotels can request a mini-fridge if the room does not include one and stock it with a stash of fresh fruit, veggies, whole grain breads or rolls, lean deli meats, cheese, or yogurt.
- Before leaving home, we can ask our accommodation where the nearest grocery store is and make that our first stop upon arrival.
- Snacks. Beside carrying glucose tabs for emergency lows, pack healthy snacks for travel to and from the destination, and for sight-seeing. We might, for instance, carry nuts, seeds, granola, trail mix, dried or fresh fruit, or whole grain crackers in small containers, or plastic bags.
- Many snacks offered at airports, train depots, gas stations, and tourist centers are the processed, prepackaged variety, so it’s wise to carry healthier options. Not only does wholesome snacking keep us energized and prevent blood sugar lows, it gives us more wiggle room to indulge a bit at mealtimes.
- Good Beginnings. Whether you have kitchen access, or eat all meals out a glucose stabilizing breakfast containing protein and some healthy fat is the recommended way to begin each busy day.
- Digestive Support. Eating wisely, and drinking plenty of water while vacationing helps keep digestion regular. Be sure to get plenty of fiber by eating hefty portions of fresh vegetables whenever possible. Some travelers benefit from taking a daily probiotic or magnesium supplement to help the digestive tract stay on track.
If good-as-possible longterm health is our goal, then moderation in vacation eating habits is a no-brainer. We can enjoy our destination’s intriguing food culture without losing the wellness gains we have already made.
Source: Amy Krasner/Chopra
Photo credit: Rosanteur
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