Diet Tips for Travelling

Diet Tips for Travelling
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Whether you are taking a road trip or leaving the country for a couple of weeks, sticking to your diet presents a challenge. Food comprises part of authentic travel experience, so you may gain a few pounds while on vacation. Planning and a strategy can help you enjoy new foods without a fat penalty.

Drink Water

Avoid juices, soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. Water not only keeps you hydrated as you explore, it's calorie-free and will help you stay on track with your diet. Herbal teas provide another caffeine-free option. Drinking plenty of water will help you avoid being bloated, flushing extra sodium out of your body and reducing water retention.

Moderate Alcohol

Each gram of alcohol contains 7 calories, which adds up to around 150 calories for a 12 oz. bottle of beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine or a 1.5 oz. shot of liquor, according to MedlinePlus. Other alcoholic drinks containing added sugar or mixed with juices or soft drinks contain even more calories. Many people drink more alcohol than usual while traveling, whether they are wine tasting in Italy, experiencing a typical English pub in London or enjoying the night life in Madrid. Alcohol can add unnecessary calories to your diet. Try to keep consume alcohol in moderation.

Bring Snacks

When traveling, routines may go by the boards, and the time of your next meal may be hard to predict. Keep food with you in case a meal is delayed or healthy food choices seem scarce. Granola bars, trail mixes, nuts, seeds, fresh or dried fruits and peanut butter with crackers provide tasty and easy-to-carry options.

Try Picnicking

Instead of eating out at each meal when traveling, find healthier options at the grocery store. Not only is this option budget friendly, it will help you control your calorie intake and diet. For example, in the morning buy breakfast cereals and milk. If you do not have a refrigerator, buy a single-serving milk carton every day. A small loaf of wholegrain bread with low-fat cheese and fresh fruits could work for either lunch or dinner. If you are traveling abroad, choose fruits and vegetables that allow you to follow to the advice "boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it."

References

Article reviewed by Jeannette Belliveau Last updated on: Sep 2, 2010

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