Fit travel, made simple! Quick look at some of my top tips for healthy meals on the go!
These days, I’m on the go more than I am home. It seems as though I eat more meals out than I do ones that I’ve cooked as work has me traveling from one city to the next. I could easily come up with a number of excuses for skipping out on healthy options, but the truth is, these days staying fit while traveling can be easier than ever before. Between being able to pack a few “go to” items in your purse or carry-on (I always bring single serving packets of almonds, protein powder, a piece fruit such as a banana or apple and protein bar) as my favorites that don’t require me to carry a mini cooler, and being able to make slight modifications to items on airport restaurant menus, healthy choices are all around us.
In the photo above, you’ll find a few of my meal choices I’ve made on recent trips. The top and bottom left pictures are of meals that I ordered while at an airport. From asking for grilled fish with rice and veggies (only modifications I made were the sauce on the side and no butter on the veggies), to getting a burrito bowl instead of an actual burrito (I skipped the cheese, rice and sour cream and instead had the protein, veggies, black beans and guacamole) or getting a grilled chicken salad with anti-oxidant packed fruits and walnuts (dressing on the side- as always), I was able to make healthy choices at each stop of the trip!
Here are a few of my top tips for dining out. Take a quick scan of the menu of whatever place you’re at, follow these guidelines and a healthy meal will be on its way!
I understand that it is not realistic to prep every single meal you need for days at a time. Heck, I don’t even do that! So, here are a few more tips for on the go options, restaurant options, etc., to make certain foods a bit healthier and give you more options to choose from, too! J
-Ask for grilled, steamed or seared protein options (keep an eye out on the menu for these words)
– Ask for grilled or steamed veggies (specify that you don’t want oil or butter on the veggies)
– Being smothered is never a good thing- ESPECIALLY when it comes to your food! Say no to anything that comes “smothered” in any ingredient- be it sauce, dressing, cheese, just say no.
-You can always find something at a sushi restaurant- order up some sashimi, edamame and side salad. Forgo the fancy rolls with excessive sauce, rice and tempura fried seafood, as those calories add up fast!
– When in doubt, go the ‘high maintenance’ route. By now servers are used to special requests- whether it be a food allergy or specific dietary restrictions, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you don’t see a healthy option on the menu, create your own by asking for a grilled protein, big plate of steamed veggies and some sort of starch of choice. If this isn’t an option, simply getting a salad, adding grilled chicken and avocado plus asking for the dressing on the side is always a good quick fix.