Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, offering opportunities for exploration, adventure and relaxation.
However, it’s no secret that travel also can bring about its fair share of stressors, particularly for women juggling multiple responsibilities and expectations.
From packing and planning for yourself and your family to navigating unfamiliar environments, the demands of travel can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In this column, we’ll delve into how to best support your health and body during these exciting and stressful times.
Let’s begin with food choices. While it’s tempting to disregard nutritional concerns while traveling, it’s essential to prioritize supporting your body nutritionally, particularly when it’s under increased stress.
Traveling, even for leisure, can deplete our bodies’ nutritional resources faster than usual. Hence, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial.
Here are some tips to consider while traveling this summer:
1
Don’t forget your multivitamin. While a multivitamin might not fully cover your nutritional needs, it can serve as a valuable insurance policy while traveling.
2
Prioritize nutrient-dense foods. Despite the challenges, it’s possible to prioritize nutrients while on-the-go. Opt for accommodations that allow you to prepare meals or at least have access to a refrigerator. When dining out, choose whole foods such as meat, eggs, veggies and fruit whenever possible. This doesn’t mean that fun treats and dessert are off the table. They are very much on the table and should be enjoyed. However, supporting your body with nutrient dense foods it needs is of the utmost importance.
3
Manage blood sugar. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable while traveling can significantly improve your overall well-being during and after your trip. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to cravings and fatigue, making it harder to maintain healthy habits for the long term.
Maintaining mindfulness about your health while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s essential to view health as a lifestyle that accompanies you even on vacation. This approach fosters better balance, reduces symptoms of fatigue and illness post-travel, and facilitates a smoother transition back into everyday life after your enjoyable trip.
Bri Edwards is a holistic health coach at Healthy Foundations in Dubuque.
