Pack the suitcase not the pounds

When most people think of traveling, they imagine sightseeing, opening the airplane window shade and seeing the beauty of the clouds below, and even the relaxation (or stress) that is ahead.

The first thing I think of when I am going to travel is food. Sadly, I do not mean I get excited about having more options than McDonalds. Traveling causes an immediate response of terror. Where am I going to eat? Will I be able to find healthy alternatives? Will I be able to keep up my diet? Will I inconvenience anyone because I am so picky?  How much pressure will I be under to eat unhealthily? Do I need to pack healthy snacks? Will there be a gym in the hotel?

These are the questions that consume otherwise productive space in my brain when I prepare to travel. My case can seem a bit extreme, but according to the amount of information I have found about trying to stay healthy on the go, I feel as though I am not completely alone.

Whether you are obsessive like me, just looking to eat a little healthier or have more energy when you travel, there are a few simple tips you can follow to stay on track.

Plan ahead. When I go on vacation, I make sure to pack healthy snacks. I can usually be found with sandwich bags of portioned nuts and a few protein bars. Having healthy snacks not only saves you from unhealthy snacks such as Cheetos and pop-tarts, but it also saves money. You already have snacks on hand and will not have to spend extra money at any gas stations or vending machines, and saving money for college students like me is a huge advantage.

Be informed. One thing I always do, even if I am not traveling, is try to know available restaurants and their menus. In attempt to live a healthy lifestyle, I have faced many conflicts with fast food being the only option. It is important to be educated as well. Some salads can be a fat bomb in disguise. It is important to know what is truly healthy.

Stay Active. Look up your hotel before you travel. Most hotel websites have information about fitness rooms. If not, research the community and try to find a jogging trail. Make sure it is safe and if you are traveling with someone, ask them to take a walk with you.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is important not to drive yourself crazy. You are on vacation, after all, and you should let loose just a little bit. If you are going out for dinner, give yourself a little slack and relax. Have that cheeseburger if that is what you have been craving or that pasta dish you have dreamt about for months. You can hop right back on the spinach and carrot wagon the next day. Everyone needs a cheat day every once in a while. You want to remember your vacation and not spend the entire time beating yourself up over one “bad” meal.

Travel can be exciting, stressful, and memorable. If you are worried about staying healthy while you travel, all it takes are a few simple steps and preparation. Pack a few snacks, think about what you are going to order, know what is truly healthy, and cut yourself a little slack along the way. If you decided travel is time you throw healthy food aside for a day or two, just make sure to jump right back on track when your vacation is over. Travel, whatever the reason, is a chance to get away from the usual. Whatever your adventure may be, plan ahead and do not spend it stressing about the little things.