Eating healthy when traveling long-term may require some research and planning, but after a few months of traveling, you will be grateful that your clothing still fits and that you are still fit enough to hike the Great Wall of China without huffing and puffing due to excess weight.
In order to eat healthy while abroad you have to be willing to commit yourself to a healthy lifestyle and do not stop at every global fast-food chain, you see just because the food is somewhat familiar to you. It is well known that it can be very hard to control your diet when traveling because not all the same foods are available everywhere and the ability to carry your food from home with you for months is simply impossible.
So, what can you do to eat healthy when traveling long-term? Simply put – be prepared! Here’s how:
Do Your Research Before Traveling Abroad
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling long-term may seem like an impossible undertaking, but thanks to a global network of travel bloggers and “foodies” there are many online resources available to help you eat healthy regardless of where in the world you are visiting.
Let’s Regale, a popular blog by a digital nomad and San Francisco native named Valerie focuses on healthy food and travel. Her blog centers on living a fit and healthy lifestyle while being the happiest and healthiest you can be – regardless of where you are in the world.
Whether you are looking to travel gluten-free or are looking for a guide on how to eat the best street food and Not Get Sick, Valerie has information on this and much more, including eating vegan and how to connect with a country’s culture through food. A simple search on her website for the country or cuisine you are inquiring about should bring up a post or two that Valerie has written based on her personal experience or research.
Many travel bloggers, including Valerie, also offer information on how to stay fit while traveling as well as offer simple yet healthy recipes that can be made from just about anywhere in the world. A little online research can provide you with the information you need to easily eat well from anywhere in the world!
Prepare To Cook Healthy Foods For Yourself
While it may be difficult to eat exactly what you eat at home you can most definitely grab fruits or vegetables of some kind, regardless of where in the world you are traveling. Fruits are ubiquitous almost everywhere (the exception would be developing countries).
If you are going to be in one location for a long period of time then it might be worth it to cook your own meals. Even if eating out is more convenient make sure to always have some kind of fruit or vegetable on hand where you are staying to snack on. Simple snacks could be apples, bananas, berries or something native to where you are visiting. It might be simpler than you think to make yourself a quick salad and you may save yourself some money in the process.
If eating well while traveling long-term is important to you then invest in accommodations that have an equipped kitchen. Bring with you some of the spices or seasonings you rely on the most and then shop local and cook for yourself. It’s the most reliable way to make sure what you are eating adheres to your healthy lifestyle.
Practice Mindful Eating
Don’t just eat for the sake of being full. Be mindful of what you are eating and make sure you are eating a balanced diet of grains, proteins, fiber, fats, and carbs on a daily basis. Remember that you are what you eat – so eat healthy to be healthy! And while this may not be as easy to do overseas, with a little practice you will come to familiarize yourself with what foods are available where you are and with what healthy eating means for you when not on home soil.
Vitamins & Supplements While Traveling Abroad
You may also want to consult a naturopath or your doctor prior to your departure about adding multiple vitamins and supplements to your daily routine. Vitamin supplements may assist with any nutritional deficiency you may encounter while traveling due to a limited variety in foods.
Magnesium supplements help your body to properly digest foods and also aid to regulate potassium, vitamin D and other vitamins and nutrients in your body. Magnesium can be found in nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables, but if you have a long flight ahead of you or know it may be some time before you will have a handful of kale or spinach at your disposal, then you may want to look into magnesium supplements.
Battling foreign bacteria and substances can easily cause an upset stomach, so it’s best to be prepared for such an occurrence by stocking up on digestive aids, such as Pepto-Bismol.
Always consult your physician prior to taking vitamins or supplements.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy while traveling, so when given the choice of soda pop or water, choose water – your body needs it. If you have doubts on the safety of the water and fear it may be contaminated, buy bottled water or invest in a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever the opportunity for clean water presents itself.
Staying hydrated means your body will be better equipped to handle any minor tummy bugs that may arise while traveling and is good for your overall well being.
Invest In Travel Medical Insurance
Even the healthiest of lifestyles is sometimes not enough to keep you healthy. Thankfully insurance plans such as the Patriot Travel Medical Plan is specifically designed for those who need international health insurance coverage for their travel around the world. Whether you are traveling for five days or two years, this plan offers you the freedom to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of your choice, gives you access to Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings, and has add-on coverage available, including extreme sports coverage.
You can also purchase a multi-trip annual insurance policy that covers you for all travel outside of your home country over the course of one year (up to a maximum number of days per trip).
Travel Medical Insurance will protect you should you fall ill or have an accident while you are traveling overseas long-term. It is the perfect addition to ensure your well-being is protected while away from home. So eat healthily and be prepared – it’s your best bet to stay healthy while traveling long-term.
Also Read:
- 10 Tips For Healthy Traveling @ Six Sisters Stuff
- How to Stay Healthy While Traveling @ Huff Post