Purse Avocados and Other Tips for Traveling

Summer is quickly approaching (more quickly in some areas than for others) and I'm starting to get a lot of questions about what to do while traveling to stay healthy. I wanted to share some of my favorite healthy tricks with you! Follow these tricks for the best vacation ever--you'll get to indulge, but won't come home feeling wrecked.

1. Pack a purse avocado. My friends make fun of me for always having snacks with me, but I've gotten used to it over the past few years. The highlight of this was we were out walking, someone said they were hungry, and I pulled a whole avocado and a spoon out of my bag. We all laughed, but ended up digging right in. When I pack snacks for traveling, I tend to go heavy on the protein because that seems to be the hardest to find in airports, at hotels, and in convenience stores. There are many options that are easy to pack, delicious, and super clean. You can buy all of my favorite snacks here.

• Kalahari Biltong- This air dried beef tastes a bit like prosciutto (I like the spicy the best). Each bag packs 32g of lean protein, and is very versatile. Eat it straight out of the bag, throw it on a salad, or top a plantain chip with a slice.
• Whysk Protein Pancakes- This pancake mix is made from super clean ingredients (only stevia is non-whole30 compliant), and it comes in a few different flavors. You only need water to make these pancakes, and they feel like a real treat. I make a batch up before I get on planes and knowing that I have a little serving of pancakes helps me avoid buying M&Ms/Reeses/Milkshakes.
• Chicken Sriracha Epic Bars- The only flavor of these guys that I really like. Each bar has 15g of protein, and a spicy kick. Always pasture raised, always clean ingredients.
• Sweet Potato Awesome- These sweet potato toasts are hearty and delicious. A great option for veggies on the go.
• Bare Banana Chips- Buyer beware. These banana chips are made from just bananas and addictive doesn't even begin to describe them.
• Kind Pressed Bars- These are just fruits and veggies pressed together to make a bar. Easy to travel with, and a great source of carbohydrates.
• Vital Proteins Collagen- Every time I travel, I pack a little baggie with 2 scoops of this for everyday that I'm gone. It looks a little like a bag of drugs (eek), but it keeps my skin, gut, and muscles healthy while on the go.

You can find my favorite snacks here.

2. Google Map Search "Natural" or "Organic." If you're in a city, there's probably a natural food store or restaurant somewhere fairly close, but you might not find it unless you google it! This tip will help you find some real food, and some peace of mind while you're out and about.

3. Move your body. Find fun and interesting ways to move during a trip by doing a quick google search. You might see a fun new workout you want to try, a hike that has beautiful views, or a walking tour that gets amazing yelp reviews. When you're on vacation, part of it is relaxing, so don't think about exercise so much as staying active. 

4.  Drink water. Then, drink water again. If you aren't peeing every hour you're awake, you're not drinking enough. This is probably the most important thing you can do for yourself while you're out of your routine. It can help prevent headaches, help your digestion keep moving, and may help prevent you from overeating.

5. Pick your indulgence. On my ideal food vacation I'd hit up every single local restaurant, eat every burger, drink every frozen beach cocktail, and probably lots of chocolate brownie sundaes for dessert. Choosing them all puts me at risk for a stomach ache, digestive problems and weight gain while on vacation. So instead, I try to pick one at each meal. For example, if I'm having a burger, I'll pick one of the following: bun, fries, drink, or dessert. That way I get to feel good about my indulgence, and my digestion. 

I hope you find these tips helpful for your next vacation or trip away. I'm heading to California tomorrow, and since I know there will be LOTS of wine, I'll be doing my best to choose my other indulgences wisely. Where are you traveling this summer?