When jetting off on a relaxing vacation, eating healthy can very easily fall down your list of priorities. It’s easy to indulge in the all you can eat buffets and complimentary breakfasts, but before you dig in remember that a balanced and healthy diet will ultimately give you the energy and vitality to make the most of your holiday.
We spoke to Phillipa Steele, International Model and Fiji Airways ambassador, who has travelled the globe and has provided us with her tips on how to experience local flavours and delicacies while also eating healthy on the road.
Commit to One Fresh and Healthy Meal a Day
Diving headfirst into the new and exotic foods you find while traveling is encouraged. The issue comes from choosing the wrong options packed with sugar and unhealthy fats. Stay on top of your meal choices by committing to at least one fresh produce meal a day. Destinations all over the world have vibrant local markets, usually packed with the beautiful local produce of your destination. If you’re staying near the beach, think succulent fresh seafood. If you’re staying inland, focus on fresh grains and vegetables.
Keep Healthy Snacks Handy to Ward Off Cravings
Expect to be on the move often while traveling so finding a local market or grocery store when you arrive will set you up for a healthy diet on your travels. On top of being great for your waistline, heading into a new city to look for the local markets is a fantastic way to explore, so it’s a win-win!
When I travel, my secret is to stock my mini bar fridge in my hotel room with a range of healthy snacks that I can pack in my day bag. This way I avoid indulging in any fast food for a quick fix. Consider snacks that are easy to pack when on the go such as fruit, muesli bars, dried fruit, and Nuts.
Make Healthy Restaurant Choices
Eating out somewhere new and trying new foods is one of the most enjoyable experiences when travelling. Make it a priority to browse the menu before you commit. Key features to look for include; meat and fish items that are steamed, boiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted. Try to avoid fried. The same goes for vegetables. Try and find steamed options over sautéed. Also, don’t rule out those poolside cocktails completely, but by cutting back on the booze, you’ll avoid those cheat meal cravings as well as a nasty hangover.
Drink Lots of Water
The unsung hero of any healthy travel diet – water. Your body needs water to ensure a healthy and functioning system which becomes more important than ever when you’re traveling. Not only will you help minimise jet lag, but drinking enough water will help limit your junk food cravings. If anything you should increase your water intake, especially if you’re visiting warm and humid climates where your risk of dehydration is high. The last thing you want when travelling is to get headaches, muscle cramps, and feel fatigued because you haven’t consumed enough water.
So next time you’re on the road, indulge in the delicious new foods around you AND choose healthy food options. When it comes to travel you can have your cake and eat it too. Not only will you experience the culture and traditions, but you will have the energy to go on adventures and explore everything your destination has to offer.
**Phillipa Steele is a Fijian model working internationally and a Brand Ambassador for Fiji Airways. Phillipa is half Fijian and the other half is made up of Tongan, French, English and American and is based in Sigatoka, Fiji. For 6 months of the year Phillipa is travelling to New York, France and Switzerland where she models for some of the world’s top fashion brands. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram.