Travel Tips to Keep Fit

It happens to the best of us. We diligently follow our diets and exercises when we are home but leave it home when we travel!
While food is part of any vacation experience, it’s a bad idea to just eat your way through a holiday. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while travelling. Plan ahead to make right choices. When unsure of local cuisine, carrry healthy snacks with you

While on a holiday….

– Choose a protein rich breakfast- eggs, grilled chicken, dal dosa, dal chilas, cooked peas, chana, rajma, baked beans. Have a side of salad or sauteed vegs. Don’t forget the fresh cut fruit.

 – Have salads with every meal. Begin your meal with a sald. Then the chances of over eating are reduced.

– Drink 10-12 glasses water daily. Instead of juice or cocktails, or alcoholic beverages, you can have lemon- mint water, fruit infused water for a holiday feel and it helps to detox. Limit your beers and drinks.

 – Choose whole grains, limit portions. Have whole wheat chapatis, avoid naan, kulcha etc. Try new grains in the places you travel- black rice, millets, quinoa, amaranth…Go exotic in food choices! A word of caution for street foods and raw foods- look out for hygiene. Opt for bottled water if you are unsure.

– Have a big bowl of shorba/ soup/ dal/ sambar/ rasam. Stock soups, clear soups hydrate you and keep you feeling full. Try new soups on the menu that you wouldn’t get back home.

– Eat more sabzis/ sides. If your hotel offers buffets- go for the sides! Try new varieties of vegs, dals, chicken/ fish items. [ Just make sure they are not greasy!]. You can always cut back on the rice and rotis.

– Resist the urge to have junk snacks and beverages. Opt for fruit platter, tender coconut, grilled finger foods, chana chaat etc

– Avoid milk.  Low fat curds/ yogurt and buttermilk allowed. Try nut milks like- cocnut milk, almond milk, oat milk…. who knows! You may enjoy the novelty and take it home with you.

– If you are traveling…… fall in love with the outdoors! Going to a beach/ hills/ verdant valleys etc. Explore the new place on foot. Go for hikes, cycle rides, moonlit treks, morning and evening beach walks, swim, take a languorous walk in the resort etc…….it doesn’t feel like exercise but you are keeping fit while enjoying the scenery. Go to the local souk or bazaar and explore…. on foot. Just keep your hat/ umbrella/ sunscreen handy.

– After a day’s excitement and adventure, turn into bed early. You can always watch TV at home!!! Sleep fitfully and wake up refreshed for another day of fun and frolic

– Deepa Kamath

Senior Nutritionist, Navitae