How to Be Healthy While Traveling

[andrew]

I was curious if anyone has any experience staying healthy and git whilst traveling. I'm vegetarian and aim for organic food, and will also be traveling to Europe and Asia, so I was wondering how to eat right and stay in shape doing so.

Any pointers would be great, thanks!

[KtotheB]

Hey Andrew,

When I travel, I try to bring a lot of food with me just in case there isn't anything I like at my destination. I even have a lightweight travel blender and a cutting board that rolls up! I bring almonds, add them to my blender with water which makes instant nut milk. I turn the pulp into "granola" and add raisins. I get very creative, because I love to eat but hate to stray from my diet (it makes me feel so good to eat this way).

I too am a vegetarian (vegan, actually), so adequate protein is important. Bulk food stores are great and you can load up on nuts and dried fruit for your journey. You can also buy or make your own energy bars to carry with you depending on how long you are going for.

As for working out... I usually aim to walk a lot on my various trips. I bring stretchy exercise bands in my suitcase to use when I don't have access to weights. They still give your muscles a great workout.

Let me know if you want me to send you some links or if you want more tips!!

xox
kb

[Mariam]

There are several steps you can take to ensure that you stay as healthy as possible while traveling. One of which is If you're visiting countries that spray crops with insecticides, wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Boil water before drinking or washing if you are staying in an area where water is not properly treated or where cholera and other water-borne illnesses are prevalent. Skip the ice cubes. If in doubt, avoid uncooked foods and anything that might contain tap water, including fountain (soft) drinks. If food is served at room temperature, particularly buffet-style, and you don't know how long the food has been sitting out, skip it. Eat hot or very cold foods instead.

[Dimond]

Dense, Concentrated Food: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, seaweeds, crackers, trail mixes, etc. Have these with you, then get the fresh food at each location. By plane, pack as many foods as possible into your checked luggage. Take whatever you're going to eat on the plane in your hand luggage (water-content rich foods are good)-try asking the security people not to x-ray your plane food
Fresh Produce: If not organic, get thick skin foods–pineapple, melon, avocado, citrus, Coconuts, durian, papaya
Chia Seeds are great to travel with, as they are very nutrient dense
Green Powders: take wherever you go. important to help keep balanced/alkalised/mineralised. Ocean's Alive-easiest to travel with.

[padawan in training]

Bodyweight exercise is a great option while on the road. Here are some good resources:

Bodyweight Culture
The Bodyweight Files
Yoga for men

[andrew]

Thanks everyone for the tips. I'll check the body weight site out, and thanks for the tips on what to buy whilst abroad.

Has anyone brought lots of vitamins or green powders on their carryon? I don't know how ridiculous the TSA is, but I don't want a $60 bag of green powder to get thrown away because it could blow the plane up.

I'm going to be backpacking to lots of places in the world, and don't know if healthy food/organic is as big in other places as it is here. Do you think I could buy green powder in other countries?

[newmark]

Which countries are you going to? Because this will really make a big difference in what you encounter.
Vegetarian shouldn't be a big problem in most countries, but organic might be.

[andrew]

Anywhere opportunities take me. For now, mostly developed nations, until I get a good feel for things: most of Europe, maybe SE Asia, and Australia.

I don't want to be stuck with rice and beans for weeks because I don't eat meat, but I do eat fish, so I'm hoping that will help. I also have a pretty mild budget.

[Michelle]

You'll need to pay careful attention to your body's signals in order to maintain balance while travelling. You may need to sleep more, slow down a bit at first and allow for adjustment. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

You will sometimes have an easier time finding fresh, whole foods in other countries than in the US. In other countries, you will have to be more careful, but I can think of nowhere where you wouldn't able to find fresh foods unless you are seriously considering trekking across Africa. Then more serious planning is in order. Most countries eat much less prepared/processed food products so your chance of maintaining or even gaining nourishment is large.

Just be aware, even in Europe there are big differences between the countries. Switzerland is pretty conscious when it comes to nutrition and you'll have no trouble finding Green Powder or better than organic foods (Demeter quality). In Germany the same is already more difficult, but still manageable. Go to Sicily or Thailand and you will be in fresh fish heaven and, of course, Japan is the sushi capital of the world. Thailand is also overflowing with fresh sweet fruit all the time! Eastern Europe can be tricky if one does not eat meat, but it depends where you go. You can always use IM to manifest yourself the perfect meals.

Let us know where you end up and how it goes!

[Dimond]

There are many raw foodists that travel constantly and they do really well. Bali and Iceland are two of the top places it's easy to be raw. Someone is in Mexico right now doing very well.

Anything you're not sure of you can put in checked luggage, if you you're bringing any. Though people have been saying anything not liquid will make it past security. Double bag any powders.

You should read up on others' experiences. Lots of great info.

[Sandra Wilson]

I try to stay in hotels that offer a full breakfast. I save the fruit and cereal for later. Eating healthy means living more happy years of your lives. I really enjoy this site. I like it.....