61% of Brits are excited about what they’ll be eating on their next trip abroad, according to recent research by Tripadvisor. With food now a central part of the travel experience, it’s only natural to look forward to stuffing our faces when we go away. Whether you’re tucking into a lavish dinner on the water in Washington DC, getting your teeth stuck into street food in Tunisia, or perhaps even indulging in authentic local fare without the hassle of cooking or washing up, there’s a lot to love about eating out abroad. Whether you’ll be away for a few days or a few weeks, no doubt you’re already thinking about what to eat when you arrive.
However, while no one should ever feel forced to diet or limit their food intake while travelling, overdoing it on fatty, salty or sugary foods can leave us feeling sluggish and tired. Bon Appetit call it a “food hangover” (I’m sure I’ve experienced a few myself!) While this might be forgivable if you’re just getting away for a holiday for a week or two, if you’ll be travelling for a few months or more, what you eat – and how you stay active – becomes far more important.
So, how can we enjoy good food while travelling on a long-term basis, without overindulging or counting calories?
Choose wisely, indulge intelligently
When dining out abroad, opt for dishes that are grilled, baked, or steamed as opposed to fried, or sautéed. While it’s perfectly acceptable to indulge from time-to-time, if you’ll be away from home for a while, aim to eat a more balanced diet to maintain your energy levels and keep your immune system in tip-top condition. Team lean proteins like fish, chicken, or beef with fresh vegetables to keep meals light, yet tasty. Similarly, switch high-calorie sides like French fries for healthier options like steamed vegetables, or rice.
Develop an exercise routine
If you’ll be travelling on a long-term basis and you long to explore the local cuisine guilt-free, developing an exercise routine will enable you to burn off excess calories and maintain your fitness levels. Whether you work up a sweat in the gym, go for a stroll, or make a splash in the swimming pool, there are lots of ways to work out while away from home. If you’re particularly passionate about keeping fit and you’ve got some free time in your schedule, consider how personal training courses could help you to learn a valuable new skill, while keeping fit. Who knows – it may even grow into a flexible location-independent career enabling you to do a job you love, all while working abroad.
Be mindful of liquid calories
While soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand is a travel highlight for many, alcohol can be high in calories, especially when mixed with sugary sodas or juices. Plus, if you’ll be travelling away from home for a while, the cost of an occasional pint or glass of wine will soon add up. Don’t begrudge yourself the occasional cocktail if you’ll be socialising over drinks but choose lighter options, or stick to spirits mixed with soda water or juice instead.
Don’t skip breakfast, opt for brunch
Skipping breakfast isn’t a wise thing to do whether you’re at home or away, but if you’re too busy to eat or you decide to treat yourself to a relaxing lie-in, combine breakfast and lunch and indulge guilt-free in a sumptuous brunch. Not only will this mean you’ll get to start your day with a hearty feast, but you’ll be less likely to snack excessively or overindulge throughout the day too.
Practice portion control
While it can be tempting to order every dish on the menu when exploring a new cuisine, practicing portion control is key to avoiding overeating, not to mention saving money on travel. Consider sharing dishes with your friends or colleagues, or ordering smaller portions. Additionally, listen to your body’s hunger cues and stop eating when you feel full, rather than when your plate is empty.
Be smart with snacking
Snacking can often lead to mindless munching on high-calorie treats, especially if you’ll be enjoying an extended stay in a country known for decadent desserts and high-cholesterol fast food like New York, or Amsterdam. Pack a few healthy snacks into your backpack before heading out for a day of work or exploring. Think nuts, fruits, or cereal bars to satisfy cravings while on the go.
Stay hydrated
Sometimes, feelings of hunger can be mistaken for thirst. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water, especially in warm weather or when engaging in physical activities. Not only will this help prevent overeating, but it’ll also help to keep you feeling energised, and refreshed.
Dieting is often the last thing on our minds when faced with the enticement of an exotic new cuisine. However, by making smarter food choices, practicing portion control, staying active, and listening to our body’s cues, we can make the most of every mealtime abroad while also remaining ready for any adventure our journey throws our way.
Do you have any personal favourite tips or tricks on how to avoid overindulging on food while travelling on a long-term basis? Leave a comment to let me know.