Eating While Traveling
On a recent trip to Savannah, I was reminded how hard it is to eat healthy
while traveling
in the South
As a type 1 diabetic, I am used to preparing and planning ahead of time for traveling, changing time zones, for meal timing delays, and the unexpected. Bottom line, I never leave home without a crap ton of extra snacks. However, traveling and eating in the South presents several additional challenges.
I thought I would share my tips and tricks I’ve developed over the years in hopes that they will help you as well.
Here is what I pack (in a back pack) that will be close by at all times):
Dried fruit/veggies strips - light weight, flat, a reasonable amount of carbohydrate for low blood sugar levels (Simple Truth Organic is a good one)
Small nut/cranberry packets (Trader Joe’s carries these)
Lara Bars (Cashew Cookie is the cleanest of all the flavors)
Jerky (gluten free, no added nitrates nor sugar)
Packets of electrolytes to support hydration
An empty/refillable water bottle (saves the need to purchase plastic bottles)
Organic Roobios tea bags - I am a tea snob so I just ask for hot water on planes and in restaurants so I can use my own tea bags. Roobios tea has been shown to protect against radiation, which we all get quite a bit of while flying. It also helps support healthy estrogen metabolism.
Accommodation Tips:
Ensure the place you are staying has a small fridge to store fresh food
Locate a grocery store once you get to your destination — stop by and get some fresh fruits like apples or berries (preferably organic), yogurt, almonds, snap peas, hummus and carrots, guacamole
General Travel Tips:
If you are gluten free, research restaurants ahead of time
In the South, is it much harder (though not impossible) to avoid gluten than in the Pacific Northwest
Pack some NAC - this helps support liver detoxification
Give yourself some grace, especially if you are on a vacation; 80% healthy eating allows for 20% wiggle room and enjoyment. I certainly tried out some good Southern food that was full of “all the things”
My go-to when I am paying the price for eating something outside the norm is a green apple, plenty of water, and herbal tea — it seems to hit the reset button.
Healthy travels,
💕
Dr. Laura Neville