I’ve always loved travelling and I guess so do you. And I know for sure that it is much more difficult to keep things balanced while travelling when you’re dealing with any type of symptoms, food sensitivities or intolerances. It’s a big challenge not to give in to temptations and above all to feel safe and confident while eating out.
In the past travelling (both for pleasure and work) heavily exacerbated my symptoms and sometimes I admit it still does.
Throughout the years, I’ve come up with some strategies that help me keep healthy and allow me to enjoy my travelling to the most.
I thought I’d share with you some of the strategies related to eating while travelling. Here it goes!
Bring some food with you for the trip.
Prepare some snacks, or even full meals, to take with you on the road or to eat at the airport or during long flights. This will allow you to avoid fast food on the motorway or at the airport, or unsafe food on your flight. While airlines cater for specific diets (gluten-free, vegan, etc), you cannot know what you are going to get and they will not be able to accommodate for specific food sensitivities or macronutrient balance. Furthermore, if you prepare it yourself, you’ll much more easily have a nutrient-rich and balanced meal consisting of high-quality ingredients!
If you don’t have time to prepare a full meal, take along at least some safe snacks or solutions you can opt for in case of emergency.
Rent a flat or a room with a kitchenette instead of staying in a hotel room.
I found this to be by large the most effective choice. It allows you to prepare some safe and nutritious meals for yourself and to avoid eating 3 meals a day at restaurants. Even if you have a good selection of restaurants available, your home-cooked meals will always be better….and save you quite some money too!
If you rent a flat, and if the country you are going to allows bringing in food, bring something to get you started once at destination.
Of course, you can buy food anywhere. However, I still prefer taking some basic food with me to save me the hassle of desperately looking for food as soon as I land or arrive at destination. Having enough for a simple meal or some safe ingredients in case you have specific intolerances can be key.
Look in advance for supermarkets, markets and shops in the area where you are staying.
Look in advance for safe restaurants where to eat and always call in advance and ask: do they accommodate specific needs/take into account allergies and sensitivities/ are they aware about cross-contamination issues (if that’s relevant for you)?
Do you have experiences you’d like to share about safely and healthily eating while travelling? Do you have some tips too? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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