There’s no denying that one of the best parts of traveling is eating! Whether you’re taking a road trip across the country or traveling around the globe, food is an integral part of every culture.
Some people base their entire trip around the food they’ll eat and what they’d like to try. Eating well while traveling helps keep your energy up, exposes you to new cultures and communities, and creates delicious memories that you’ll love sharing with others when you get home.
However, it’s important to ensure you’re eating properly while you travel. It can be tempting to indulge everywhere you go, and while you should absolutely take part in traditional cuisines, do so in a way that fuels your body for adventure.
Let’s dig a little deeper into how you can make the most of your dining experiences while traveling .
Use Food for Fuel
Traveling can take a lot out of you. You don’t want to feel sluggish or run down when you’re on vacation, but it can happen. You’re out of your normal routine, you might not be sleeping as well, and your days are likely filled with activities that can quickly wear you out.
That’s no way to enjoy a vacation!
That’s especially true if you’re doing something adventurous, like camping or hiking. Both activities are great ways to see more of a location and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings. However, they require a lot of fuel to keep you going. Unfortunately, there probably isn’t going to be a grocery store or restaurant nearby at many campgrounds.
No matter what you’re doing or where you go, it’s smart to plan ahead and pack some quick snacks that will fuel your body and give you a burst of energy when you need it. Some of the best ideas include
- Whole fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean proteins
- Iron-rich foods like oats and lentils
If you’re walking around in a warm climate or you’re doing some type of physical activity, it’s also important to eat water-rich foods like cucumbers and strawberries to keep from getting dehydrated.
Fueling your body properly will make it easier to enjoy your travels without worrying about your health. You’ll have more energy, improve your mood, and you’ll be more focused and alert to everything going on around you.
Don’t Ignore Your Health
The last thing you want to deal with while you’re away from home is feeling sick or unhealthy.
Suppose you have an underlying condition, including GERD or acid reflux issues. In that case, it might not be the best idea to indulge in Southern-fried chicken and banana pudding every night, even if you’re in Georgia. It also probably isn’t a good idea to eat pounds of pasta and a bottle of wine every night in Italy.
Does it mean you can’t enjoy those things? Absolutely not!
However, you know your body better than anyone, and while it’s tempting to indulge all the time on vacation, it’s important to balance out those indulgences with foods that help your body rather than hurt it.
For example, some of the foods that help with acid reflux include
- Green vegetables
- Foods high in fiber
- Low-acid fruits
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
If you deal with inflammation, diabetes, a nervous stomach, or any other underlying conditions, make your diet a priority when you’re away from home. It’s easy to fall away from your normal eating routine, but by staying on track as much as possible, you’ll be able to enjoy your time away more fully without feeling sick or sluggish.
Fulfill Your Foodie Dreams
Eating healthy and fueling your body properly on vacation is important. However, don’t let it control you completely.
Food can teach you so much about different cultures and truly make your experiences more memorable. While your physical well-being is important, traveling for food can awaken your senses, help you to appreciate environments and cultures, and keep your memories more vivid for years to come.
For example, many studies have shown that certain smells can trigger memories and emotions.
The smell of rich croissants can bring you back to your time in France. The scent of strong coffee might remind you of mornings on your balcony in South Africa. Even the simple smell of a funnel cake at the fair can remind you of the fun you had on your family trip to Disney World!
Final Thoughts
Don’t deny yourself the foods you want to eat while you’re traveling.
Instead, focus on enjoying the foods that matter in moderation. Taste cultural specialties, take part in local food traditions, and learn as much as possible about everything you’re eating, so you’ll appreciate every bite that much more.
When you travel with that mindset, you can truly taste the world and remember every morsel for years to come.
