Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

A great movie no doubt, but today's post is more about the effort it takes to consume healthy foods while on the go. Here's just a few small tips I use on how to make it work while jetting accross the country and back.

As some of you may or may not know, I tend to travel most weekends for work. Traveling can be tough on your nutrition; constant eating out, less than healthy food options, eating less frequently and bigger portions, and then some. It’s equally as difficult to rely solely on protein bars and meal replacement drinks. Regardless of flying or driving, you spend a lot time sitting and are often at the mercy of fast food, convenience stores, chain restaurants, and the like. Not only is it mostly unhealthy, but it’s also expensive.

I’ve made a few changes to my travel ways to side step all this nonsense and keep my nutrition on track during these weekend traveling excursions. First, is to cook up some lean protein the day before and place in small storage bags. In addition to this I take a small storage bag of mixed nuts, as well as a piece or two of fruit and/or cut vegetables.

I don’t end up starving from trying to stay away from the bad stuff, and I don’t feel like crap because I’ve eaten the bad stuff, and I’ve saved about $20 on crappy airport food. Depending on how much you’ve packed and when you leave during the day, you’ll also have some left over food to last you through the first day of your trip.

Once I’m settled I find the local grocery store and pick up some of the same things I’ve packed minus those that need cooking.

Do you have any food travel suggestions?

4 comments:

Erica said...

You know I fly a lot as well. The thing that works best for me is the same- taking snacks with me. I always have fruit and some nuts at the very least. It's good for snacking in the airport and in flight, instead of crackers or whatever they're giving out on that particular airline. Unless I'm REALLY hungry at an airport, I limit myself to only buying a coffee and I eat my own healthy snacks.

mike laff said...

Depending on your airport and the IQ of your TSA agent, you are allowed to take empty Nalgene/Steel bottles in your carry on and fill them at the water fountain.

Pamela MacElree said...

Hey Mike, Yes I did that this trip and it worked out beautifully!

Erica, I also bought a cup of coffee, and probably always will.

bk said...

Cheese!! It travels well, doesn't require refrigeration, and is a tasty source of protein!