Stay healthy when you travel
Having a busy summer? Me too. As you drive kids to camp, or travel for business, or go away on holiday, you can either toss your nutrition up to chance, or to stay healthy and vibrant, even on the go.
Be it commuting locally or visiting overseas, here are some of my personal favorite ways to stay nutritionally “on course” during summer travels. They’re easy to incorporate, too!
1) SHAKE YOUR GREENS
So, my husband is a world traveler for his company, and often jets off to parts unknown (I’m kidding, we always know where he’s going, but the locations are sometimes so remote that it feels that way). Farming practices can be an issue in many of the places he visits, so my man of mystery is careful to not eat any raw, fresh vegetables or even fruit. To ensure he’s getting his greens, I buy dried green juice, from Aloha, and pop it into his luggage (you can sample it here!). He simply mixes it in his daily smoothie, like this delicious assortment of to-go packets from Vega—that he’s addicted to, in a good way. All you need now is your preferred liquid and a shaker cup. You can grab one at Whole Foods market.
I understand that you most likely are NOT traveling to the third-world, but you may very well be going someplace where fresh veggies are less available. This is a great way for you to get your greens and nutrients, and not feel horrible by the time you get back.
2) GREEN JUICE RECON
Stateside, I have been known to tote my Vitamix on the ferry to Nantucket, (I am NOT kidding!), but I can’t pack it in my suitcase if I fly. (With TSA regulations, they might ask me to turn it on before I board-can you imagine that sight?)
Well, I love keeping up my greens, too, so when my blender can’t come with, I keep it fresh and peruse this Pressed Juice Directory to find juice bars close to where I’m headed. Plus, I stop on route from the airport to the hotel to pick up a few days worth of pressed juice, and put it in the hotel refrigerator, right away! (Most hotel rooms have mini-refrigerators, and those that don’t might bring you one if you ask—and I have. They were happy to accommodate my request.)
BONUS! I often mix protein packets into my green juice to make a green smoothie. This cleanse pack from Be Well is high in extra fiber, something I need when I travel.
3) ESSENTIAL OILS
Our whole family uses essential oils on the go, just like we do at home. When we traveled to India a couple of years ago to attend a wedding, of the 65 people in our party, my family was one of the very few who did NOT get sick. These oils are essential, indeed! We began taking Oregano essential oil prior to our trip, and each day while we were away. Oregano oil is anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal. It tastes horrible, so either ingest a couple of drops fast, in water, or mix it into your chocolate smoothie. We used 2 drops twice a day.
My husband is mellow-mellow, but my son and I, less so. We both travel with Lavender essential oil; it helps us to calm down after a big day. A few drops on your pillow, or placed on the bottom of your feet brings a peaceful, dreamy sleep. I keep it in my tote for the plane, too. Air turbulence is better with a little lavender on your wrist. Breathe…
4) CORE WORK
Summer is not generally cold and flu season, but travel can challenge your immune system; recirculated airplane air, sharing space, lack of sleep, you name it. My family takes probiotics to condition our heath where it begins. Adding healthy bacteria to your digestive system will help to strengthen your immunity and provide defense against any random cold or flu. It will also begin to prepare you for Fall’s challenges—like shhhhhh!… back to school.
We prefer this one on the go.
Other than that? Get your sleep, drink lots of clean, pure water, and move each day. You’ll come home healthier than when you left.
Now, share YOUR best travel tips with us, below!
To safe and healthy journeys!
H.XO
Jennifer / 7.10.2014
This morning I ate grain-free, banana pancakes!.
I totally bring my Vitamix with me whenever I can. In fact, I’m packing now for a week on the beach and while I’m packing light on the clothes, the blender, a chef knife and one All-Clad pan is making the ferry ride with us.
My ‘stay healthy tip’ is psyching myself out mentally. I assume I’ll loose weight, or at least maintain it, since my happiness levels are up—and bliss burns a lot of calories! Like I said, it’s a mental trip, but it works. Plus Oregano Oil and starting my day with greens like you suggest 😉
Holli / 7.10.2014
YOU are a girl after my own heart! Bliss burns calories, let’s coin that phrase. Happiness release weight, and while we want to take care to eat well, we also want to release the pressures to be perfect while we travel. It’s too often not possible to maintain your Nutritional Style away from home. Do your best, right?
H. XO
Jane / 7.10.2014
This morning I ate my own recipe of summer oatmeal.
I travel A LOT for work and play and keeping active is essential to me. I usually hate hotel gyms so I look for a local spin class to work out with the locals. Online classes have been a lifesaver when I can’t venture far from my hotel. A favourite for Pilates mat classes (so portable!) is pilatesology.com. Amazing, wonderful and challenging classes. We are about to take a vacay to Croatia to sail, and rather than try to bring all my usual smoothies and juicing stuff with me, I decided I will eat just the local, fresh foods and keep it as healthy as possible. Cheers!
Holli / 7.10.2014
Jane, that sounds like a dream come true. I love that you access on line videos for fitness; we are so fortunate to have a huge array now to choose from. And thanks for sharing pilatesology.com, I will check that out and share it! Enjoy Croatia, it sounds like a great plan to me!
H. XO