With spring break and travel season approaching, many of us find ourselves on the move, often leading to less-than-healthy eating habits. The good news is that making healthy choices while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive.
We caught up with Courtney Sutterfield, a BMI dietitian at Arkansas Heart Hospital, who shared her advice on how to enjoy your vacation while staying on track with your nutrition goals.
1. Pack healthy snacks. One of the best ways to avoid unhealthy food choices while on the go is to bring your own snacks. Pack a variety of heart-healthy options like nuts, seeds, whole fruit and granola bars. These snacks are convenient and portable, and will keep you satisfied between meals without compromising your heart health.
2. Choose wisely at restaurants. When dining out during your travels, look for restaurants that offer heart-healthy options. Opt for grilled or baked proteins like fish or chicken, and load up on vegetables as side dishes. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid dishes high in saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.
3. Stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and poor food choices, so it’s essential to stay hydrated while traveling. Carry a reusable water bottle with you, and aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water or unsweetened beverages instead. If water isn’t your thing, try flavoring it with fruits or herbs to make it more enjoyable and encourage consumption.
4. Be prepared for long journeys. If you’re embarking on a long road trip or flight, having nutritious options on hand is essential to keep you fueled. Prepare a cooler with healthy snacks like cut-up vegetables, hummus, Greek yogurt and whole-grain crackers. This will help you avoid turning to convenience store snacks or concourse crunchies that are often high in unhealthy fats and sugars.
5. Practice mindful eating. With the excitement of travel, it’s easy to snack or overeat mindlessly. Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Take time to savor each bite, and stop eating when you feel satisfied rather than stuffed.
Safe travels and happy eating!
Bonus: Check out the AHH website for heart-healthy recipes.