Airport delays, lost luggage, long lines, security checks: Traveling is anything but relaxing these days. One way to reduce the stress is to make sure you eat regular, healthful meals. Noshing regularly can keep you energized and ward off hunger-related irritability. So what should you eat? Stephanie Clarke, M.S., R.D., outlined a day of diet-friendly eating during a Best Life Webcast. So before you grab your bags and head out the door, be sure to grab a healthy bite first.
Leave on a Full Tank
Don’t head out hungry! Eat a balanced Best Life meal as close to leaving as possible so that you don’t get stuck in a hunger crunch later on.
Snack Well
Pack a snack or two so that you don’t have to depend on
the food available at the airport or on the road. Enjoy some string
cheese and WASA crisp bread (or any other whole-grain crackers or
flatbread) for a morning snack. Craving an afternoon nibble? Have 1/2 ounce of nuts (about 11 almonds or 7 walnut halves) and an orange.
Munch a Lunch
You can find a healthy lunch from just about any place,
including a gas station, strip mall or airport food court, if you know
what to order. One eatery that offers a bunch of nutritious options is
Subway. If you stop there, go for the 6-inch turkey club Subway
sandwich on wheat bread with Swiss cheese, lots of veggies, mustard and a
box of raisins on the side. One thing to remember,
particularly if you’re watching your sodium, is that cheese is high in
sodium. Opt for another topping, if you can.
Dinner on the Dash
If you’re still on the road when dinner rolls around, or your
flight has landed late, you may be looking for a quick bite, which
probably means fast food. (Remember: Skipping
meals is not an option!) At McDonald’s, have a hamburger with ketchup
(ask for extra lettuce and tomato). Add a Southwest salad (without
chicken) with a packet of Newman’s Own Southwest Dressing for a
490-calorie meal. At KFC, the Grilled Filet Sandwich and a side of Three
Bean Salad is a relatively healthy 460-calorie dinner.
You’ve arrived at your destination with your diet still intact.
Now, make sure to avoid these common travel traps:
• Making up for big dinners by skipping breakfast and/or lunch
• Ditching your water bottles
• Overdoing caffeine
• Using “I’m on vacation, so it doesn’t count” logic
• Sipping Pina Coladas (or most other frozen drinks) by the pool.