3 Simple Rules To Feel Your Best While Traveling

When someone starts a health journey that changes the way they eat, they often ask, “What am I supposed to do when I go on vacation?” Good question! Your vacation or weekend away with friends doesn’t have to derail your healing. I have some simple rules to keep you on track so you can feel your best and still have fun!

RULE #1: Stay away from any foods that trigger your symptoms!

Gluten triggers me, so I avoid it even when I’m on vacation (unless I’m traveling in Europe where the use of pesticides and chemicals in the processing of food is much stricter.) ALSO, the European Union has banned the use of genetically modified plants.

RULE #2: Stay focused on the foods that keep you feeling good!

For me, that means good protein and lots of veggies.

RULE #3: When traveling, don’t forget your supplements!

I bring supplements to support digestive health (digestive enzymes) and my immune system (buffered vitamin C, vitamin D3, and tocotrienols – a form of vitamin E from the annatto plant.)

Travel can make food tricky. Let’s face it, sometimes it’s impossible to find food that keeps you feeling your best! A little bit of intentionality goes a long way here. 

I always pack healthy snacks, especially if my travels include flying. There is literally nothing I can eat on an airplane or at an airport. Even if the food wasn’t so dang expensive, it’s highly processed, not fresh, and a lot of it contains gluten. 

I like to bring nuts, fresh fruit, protein bars, or beef jerky. I bring a reusable water bottle that I fill once I get through security, and I’m good to go! 

Once I reach my destination, I look for restaurants serving locally sourced food with gluten-free options. I search for farm-to-table restaurants. This generally means the restaurant is using fewer highly processed ingredients. 

I also really like to stay in places with kitchens. Sometimes that’s not feasible, but if I can cook even a few meals, I know I’ll feel better and spend less money! 

It’s a great idea to visit a local farmer’s market. It’s fun to explore the community and see what foods are in season and what are unique to that area. Whenever I travel, whether domestically or internationally, I always look for farmer’s markets. Everything is fresh and beautiful! I’ve brought home some great finds as well! (Don’t even get me started on the time I visited a market in Beaune, France, and came away with my antique copper pots! They might have been a little hard to get home, but that’s a story for another time.) 

If bringing snacks, having a kitchen, or visiting a farmer’s market is not feasible, try to stick with what will keep you feeling your best – protein and veggies will generally do. 

Despite best efforts, you might still face some challenges when it comes to feeling your best while traveling. Here are some common issues and ways to help. 

Constipation – It happens. You change your routine, and suddenly you just can’t go. I like to travel with magnesium citrate. Not only will it get you moving, but it will also help you sleep. 

Trouble Sleeping – I’m a big fan of traveling with melatonin. It helps me change time zones with less jet lag and ensures I’ll sleep deeply. (Some people do find they dream more vividly with melatonin.) I also never leave my essential oils at home. For example, lavender is widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities. So I diffuse it and use it topically to help me fall asleep. 

Upset Tummy – Despite your best efforts, something might sneak in, or you might overindulge. If you’ve already used your digestive enzymes and are still having trouble, peppermint essential oil alleviates stomach upset. So it’s good to have it with you. 

Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated! Drinking lots of water will help.