Eating Healthy on Vacation (and on airplanes)

Eating healthy on vacation is not always easy, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies. You don't necessarily know what oils, sauces, and how much salt has been used, and you certainly don't know how long something has been sitting under a buffet heat lamp :/ Different countries equal different farming, agricultural regulations, pesticide use, and imported products. Needless to say, vacations often bring exciting, delicious, and sometimes bewildering foods.

I love eating in new cities and different parts of the world. Nothing beats Dominican Republic pineapple, pure Canadian maple syrup, or authentic green curry in Thailand. However, travelling for business or pleasure, should neither take away from eating healthy or hinder your very dining experience.

Salty bugs aren't your thing? Ditto. So bare with me...

When I arrived in Bangkok everything at first glance appeared to be deep fried, slathered in oil, and fried again. However, after further investigation I discovered an incredible range of fresh tropical fruits including papaya, pineapple, mango, and coconut! Cold fresh coconuts were ideal when exploring the streets of Bangkok in 40 degree heat.

I was also blown away by the selection of vegetarian Thai food. On several occasions I enjoyed vegetarian green curry with tofu or veggie pad thai. The curry often got my sinuses running, but I devoured it anyway. The flavours were incredible!

After some consideration, which included reminiscing the pad thai in Thailand, I came up with my top three tips for eating healthy on vacation and top three tips for eating healthy on airplanes. Enjoy :)

Tips for Healthy Eating on Vacation

1. Eat fresh and local (if you can):
   Once you arrive at your destination, pop into a grocery store or local market and see what fruit and veggies are in season. Fruit such as bananas and oranges pack well and are a perfect on-the-go snack. It's also a good idea to pack some fruit if you have any long day trips planned. Cities like Bangkok and New York have fruit stands or stalls on the streets, making it super easy to enjoy something healthy.
   In addition to coconuts I also enjoyed these lychee type things..or perhaps they were lychees? Either way, they were delicious and juicy.
   
   
2. Pack a few favourites:
   
   No matter where I travel I always ensure to pack a handful of larabars. Having a healthy and familiar snack on hand is key, especially when visiting a foreign country. 
   
3. Get a recommendation:
   If friends or family members that have been to where you're going don't hesitate to reach out and get their recommendations. My best friend lived in Bangkok last year and she told me about this gourmet grocery store, which had a yummy and fresh salad bar. Jackpot. I enjoyed a brocoli packed salad and purchased a few things for the plane ride home, including raw almonds. It was perfect! It's also a good idea to hear what your hotel concierge has to say too! ;)

Tips for Healthy Eating on Airplanes

I'm obsessed with staying hydrated on airplanes. When I flew to Melbourne (27 hours) all I consumed was fruit, veggie sticks, 3 individual Vega smoothie packets, and a lot of water and herbal tea. Every hour or so I'd mist my face with Pure + Simple hydrosol and get up to stretch and pee. I'll never forget the fellow sitting beside me as he turned to me - watching as I pulled up some fluffy slipper-type socks - and said "you're pretty hard core, eh?". Why, yes...yes I am ;) 

1. Eat hearty and hydrate pre-flight:
   If you're anything like me and can't stand recycled airplane air then I highly recommend avoiding drying foods such as bread, crackers, and granola. If you can, boycot salty nuts and meat. These foods dry out your intestines, skin, and might make you feel bloated and uncomfortable for the flight. I got this great tip from Kristen at Holistic Vanity and it's helped a lot on my long flights. Instead, before you fly, enjoy a hearty stew, bowl of oatmeal, or something moist and hydrating. Depending when you go through customs, you may be able to bring fruit/veggies with you!
   
   
2. Drink a lot of water: Hopefully this is a no-brainer when it comes to travelling. Either pack your water bottle ahead of time and have the flight attended refill it every so often or buy a couple litre water bottles before you board the plane. Either way, drink up! Keep in mind that you can't bring drinks or liquids over 100ml through security, so ensure to buy your water supply after security.
   
   
3. Request a special meal ahead of time: On longer flights I always request either the vegan meal or fruit plate option ahead of time! Why not dodge the runny eggs and mushy vegetables and eat a meal that you actually might enjoy? When I flew to Thailand I happily enjoyed a large fruit plate, complete with papaya and lime, pineapple, grapes, and melon. Yum!

You don't have to feel trapped on an airplane, subjected to yucky airline food. You simply have to do a little planning ;) Hopefully the next time you fly, you arrive feeling fresh and ready for whatever awaits you at your destination.

Happy, healthy, and hydrated travels!