Find yourself travelling every now and then? As much as you may be loving the wanderlust spell, do you feel that your health is going for a toss? Travelling surely can be a lot of fun but if you are not mindful of your diet, your health can get hampered. A common mistake that we all make when we travel is that we completely let loose and forget all about keeping things in moderation. Be it alcohol, street foods or excessive munching, we go on a bingeing spree that makes things worse for the body.
So if you want to stick to healthy eating habits, follow these five tips the next time you travel:
1. Eat like a local
Some people can be fussy about food. So much so that rather than exploring local dishes they prefer to stick to junk food because they are familiar. That's a habit you really need to change if you want to keep healthy. Get out of your comfort zone and try to savour local flavours. There's really nothing like freshly cooked food with local ingredients. Remember to eat fresh fruits, vegetables and locally produced treats.
2. Pick healthy snacks
Consuming healthy snacks at the right time and in the right proportion is the key to getting the most from your snacking habits. It's better to eat small portions from a plate or bowl than snack directly out of a box or bag. By snacking directly from the bag, you risk overeating and gaining extra pounds. Rather than going for fried foods, look out for light and healthy treats.
3. Stay hydrated
One of the major problems we all face when we travel is dehydration. In our excitement of making the most of our holiday and exploring as many places as possible, we forget to pay attention to our body's needs. Especially while flying, we tend to confuse being thirsty with hunger pangs. It's extremely important to stay hydrated during the flight. Try to drink two litres of water and stay away from tea and coffee. Don't stop once you have landed. It is essential that you keep up your fluid intake over the next few days. You can also pack some herbal tea bags with you or simply ask for some freshly sliced lemon and ginger when at the hotel.
4. Stick to smaller portions
Serving small portions gives you better control over the quantity of food you consume. There's no point planning healthy snacks for work or late nights if you're going to go overboard and blow your diet. Be mindful of what you eat by choosing healthy ingredients such as brown rice over white rice, whole wheat over refined flour, etc.
5. Eat warm food
When we travel, other than dehydration, our digestive strength is also not at its prime. This is of course due to the change of place, jet lag, etc. So remember to eat food that can be easily digested and are not greasy or spicy. Try and avoid raw foods like salads, cold sandwiches and cold meats. Instead opt for hot curries, bakes and one pot meals.
Remember these basic tips to stay healthy and have a great holiday.
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(Also read: 6 Indian Superfoods To Include In Your Diet For A Health Boost)
