Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging to make healthy choices and stay feeling good while on the go. When you're staying in a hotel, it can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy foods and skip your regular exercise routine. However, eating healthy in a hotel is possible with a little bit of planning and preparation.
To help you stay on track with your healthy eating goals while traveling, I've put together some practical strategies that you can use. These tips will help you make healthier choices when dining out, find healthy options in your hotel room, and stay active even if you don't have access to a gym. By following these strategies, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying all the fun and excitement that comes with traveling.
{RELATED POST: Need some inspiration for how to eat healthier? Check out my 75 hard diet ideas post}
How to Eat Healthy While Staying in a Hotel
When you're traveling, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet, especially when you're staying in a hotel. However, with a little planning and preparation, you can still make healthy food choices. Here are some tips for eating healthy while staying in a hotel:
1. Planning Ahead
Before you leave for your trip, spend some time looking at how long your trip is and what options you will have by researching healthy food options in the area. See what meal plans you will have with friends or coworkers and how many meals you will have to yourself. This will help you make more informed choices when you arrive.
2. Packing Healthy Snacks You Can Travel With
When packing, pack some healthy snacks from home that you can take with you on your trip. Some good options to travel with include nuts and seeds, meat sticks, and protein bars. These snacks will come in handy when you're on the go and need a quick energy boost.
3. Locate the Nearest Grocery Store Beforehand
A great tip for eating healthy meals while traveling is to find a grocery store near your hotel. Look for grocery stores you can walk to, if possible, where you can stock up on items like fresh fruits that are harder to travel with. Make a shopping list before you go to avoid overbuying or having to go several times. This will allow you to have healthy food options and even prepare your own meals in your hotel room.
4. Researching Healthy Nearby Restaurants
If you're planning to eat out, research healthy restaurants in the area beforehand. Look for restaurants that offer fresh, whole food options and avoid fast food and chain restaurants. Most cities will have restaurants that serve healthy bowls and salads. If you are in a smaller place without as many options, a good tip is to go to a restaurant that you know has a salad bar.
5. Choose Healthy Breakfast Options
Start your day off right by choosing healthy breakfast options. Look for hotels that offer a complimentary breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs. If your hotel doesn't offer breakfast, consider bringing your own healthy breakfast options or finding a nearby cafe that serves healthy breakfast items.
6. Consider Accommodations with a Kitchenette
Consider booking a hotel room with a kitchenette. This will allow you to prepare your own healthy meals and snacks in your room. You can also save money by eating in instead of dining out. If you travel a lot for work, eating healthy and cooking your own meals in a kitchen will also help you feel more grounded and relaxed. Some great easy options are ground beef rice bowls, roasted sweet potatoes, or chickpea pasta.
7. Plan Some No Cook Meals for Hotel Rooms
If you don't have access to a kitchenette, plan some no-cook meals that you can prepare in your hotel room. All hotel rooms have some sort of mini refrigerator, so opting for cold items is essential when planning meals that do not have to be cooked. Some good options include wraps or sandwiches with veggies and deli meat, overnight oats, or hummus and crackers. If you start thinking outside the box and get creative, you will realize it's totally possible to eat without cooking your meals!
8. Opt for a Healthy Room Service Option
If you're ordering room service, look for healthy options on the menu. Choose grilled or baked items instead of fried, and opt for fresh vegetables instead of heavy sides. You can also ask for modifications to make your meal healthier, such as dressing on the side or no cheese.
By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy diet while staying in a hotel. With a little planning and preparation, you can make healthy food choices that will keep you feeling energized and ready for your next adventure.
Other ways to stay healthy while traveling
Exercising While Traveling
When you're traveling, it can be tough to find time to exercise, but it's important to stay active to maintain your health. Here are a few ways you can get some exercise while you're on the road:
- Use the hotel gym: Many hotels have gyms that are available to guests. Take advantage of this and get in a quick workout before or after your day of exploring.
- Go for a walk or run: If the weather is nice, take a stroll or jog around the city you're visiting. This is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time.
- Do bodyweight exercises or your favorite fitness app in your room: If you don't have access to a gym, you can still get in a good workout by doing bodyweight exercises in your hotel room. Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are all great exercises that require no equipment.
My favorite hack: I love to pack my 2 lb Bala bangles in my suitcase to use with my fitness apps. You can even search "Bala bangles workouts" on YouTube and find some great free videos. Trust me, they spice up any average workout!
Bring a water bottle to refill
Staying hydrated is crucial for your health, especially when you're traveling. Here are a few tips to make sure you're getting enough water:
- Bring a reusable water bottle: Instead of buying bottled water every time you're thirsty, bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.
- Drink water before meals: Drinking water before meals can help you eat less and stay hydrated at the same time.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda and juice can be tempting when you're on vacation, but they're not good for your health. Stick to water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee instead.
By following these tips, you can stay healthy and hydrated while you're on the road.
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