Traveling
Prep
It can be challenging to make good food choices when traveling or otherwise out of your routine. It doesn’t have to, though! Here are some Betr strategies to eat well on-the-go!
They all boil down to one concept: preparation.
Before You Leave Make a plan. Reflect on your goals for your trip. If you’re going to eat off plan, save it for events that are worth it!
Identify challenges early. Traveling can bring a lot of joy and excitement, but it can also bring a busy and unstructured schedule. Weaving your Betr lifestyle into your travel plans will help set you up for success when things get busy.
How will you travel? Plan your snacks and meals around that. Consider whether you’ll have available options, need to pack a snack, or can stop where you want. There’s a plan for every kind of transportation, whether planes, trains or automobiles!
On a plane/train: If traveling by plane or train, healthy items like fruits and pre-cut vegetables, nuts and seeds, hard-boiled eggs, edamame, and homemade kale/zucchini/chickpea chips, will all make it through security! So make use of your carry-ons! (Remember: soups, sauces, dressings, yogurt, anything gel-like or in liquid form won’t make it past TSA)
On a road trip: Pack a small cooler with your snacks and meals, and be sure to plan breaks to stretch your legs and eat!
At a gas station or airport: Sometimes convenience stores or fast food are your only option. Reach for fruits, nuts, and pre-cut veggies. You can also usually find hard-boiled eggs, guacamole, hummus, dried unsweetened fruit, or grilled chicken slices.
HYDRATE! You probably want to minimize pit stops, but keeping well hydrated supports your entire body. It keeps you from feeling hungry, too!
When you get there How will your sleep be affected? Try your best to ensure you get enough good quality sleep so that your energy levels are high and you can make the most of your trip! Sleep deprivation can also lead to stress and cravings, so staying rested will support your goal of making Betr choices!
Hydrate! Hydration is often the first thing to go when we get busy. But, it’s critical for maintaining efficient metabolic pathways, feeling clear-headed, and keeping your mood and energy regulated to enjoy your trip! Be sure to pack a water bottle and refill it often!
Once you get to your destination We all know the struggle. There’s nothing worse than waiting too long to eat and getting “hangry.” Do your research - make the grocery store the first stop in town to stock up on Betr meals and snacks. Also, make sure to google the restaurants and cafes nearby. Do this before leaving, so you’re not trying to make a food decision when you’re in the “craving” zone.
Overall Enjoy yourself! There will always be events and meals that don’t fit into your plan. Maybe your aunt made her famous apple pie, or an important client wants to treat you to dinner. Enjoy yourself! That’s what travel is all about! Do your best to eat healthily but don’t make yourself crazy!
Don’t deprive yourself. If there’s a food you want to try, give yourself permission to experience it guilt-free. Do you want to try some famous New York pizza? Go for it! Depriving yourself of something because it’s not “on plan” will only frustrate you and can lead to stress and cravings later.
Betr, not perfect. It’s okay if you have a few indulgences while traveling. It won’t ruin your progress or derail you. Betr is a lifestyle, not a strict diet! Get back on track as soon as you can: focus on three days of Betr eating, plenty of water, and sleep, and you will be just fine!
