How to Eat Well and Enjoy Your Vacation

Eating well on vacation can take on a myriad of meanings. To me, it’s experiencing a destination through food while feeling good enough to tackle planned sightseeing itineraries and not feel any guilt about diving into a spicy laksa or chili crab.

I’m typing this from Singapore, having just passed through Hong Kong and its glorious dim sum, where they say eating is the national sport.

Its history as a port city with a large immigrant population dating back to the 1800s means that in one small city-state that takes 45-minutes (without traffic) to drive through, there are Chinese, Malaysian, Peranakan, Indonesian, Western, and other communities that are united by one common thread: food. And, it’s spectacular.

Figuring out how to strike a balance in destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore and others worldwide takes some forward-thinking that you will not regret.

Take Probiotics

I can’t emphasize how beneficial Digestive Probiotics are to travelers. A healthy gut is more likely to be able to handle eating outside of a regular routine and new-to-you foods. You absolutely must take them regularly for at least two weeks prior to traveling.

Nature Made® has probiotics in capsule form but the fact that they can also be taken as delicious gummies means that there is absolutely no excuse not to take them.

• Advanced Dual Action Probiotics deliver the “good” bacteria your body needs in
  both the small and large intestines.†
• Dual Action Probiotic + Energy B12 Gummies contain 4 billion live cells of Bacillus coagulansIS-2 naturally help support digestive health, and 1000 mcg of vitamin B 12 to support cellular energy production.†

It’s easy to travel with either of the above probiotics because they do not require refrigeration. I toss them in my carry-on and leave them visible on a counter in our room so that I don’t forget to take them.

Eat Breakfast

Eating breakfast daily while traveling helps fuel your body for the rest of the day. It’s usually easier to make this a healthy meal, too.

Fill a plate with protein and dial down or eliminate the sugary baked goods. I like to take a moment, perhaps while signing the bill, to check in with myself.

I can usually tell if I’m going to be hungry shortly after in which case I’ll grab something else from the buffet or make sure to pack healthy snacks to carry me through to lunchtime.

Empty the Mini Bar

Did you know that most hotels with a mini bar will empty it by request? Not only might this prevent you from tapping into it, but it makes room for leftovers and healthy perishables of your choosing in the mini fridge.

Carry Antacids

Let’s say you need immediate indigestion relief from dinner at a famous greasy spoon or street stall. An antacid, which fortunately most hotel gift shops carry for this common occurrence, might right the ship quickly.

Watch the Time

Avoiding late dinners in places like Spain are nearly impossible, but keep in mind that it’s not easy for the body to digest a meal while you’re sleeping. Try to stick to early dinners or make lunch the big meal of the day so that you can walk it off afterward.

Drink Lots of Water

Water is your friend, just like it is at home. Even overseas, you might need to ask for a glass of water in a restaurant as it may not automatically be given to you. Drink a glass before eating to help fill your stomach.

Carry a water bottle while touring to stay hydrated. I’ve noticed more water refill stations in airports, hotels and other tourist spots worldwide.

Skip the Airport Burger

When it comes time to board the plane, eat lightly. This is (fortunately or unfortunately) becoming more and more challenging as airport dining options radically improve.

Staying sedentary in any cabin on the plane is challenging for digestion. Did you know that as air cabin pressure drops, gas in intestines expands which can make you feel bloated than you normally would on land? This is another good reason to skip soda and gassy foods, too.

Choose the Lightest Inflight Meal

If you do need to eat on the plane, choose the meal that’s likely to be the easiest for you to digest. In my case on the way to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, that happened to be Hainanese chicken rice (coincidentally Singapore’s national dish). Skip options with heavy sauces and lots of fat.

Listen to Your Body

Try not to eat if you’re not hungry. If you have to be at a meal, enjoy a few bites and leave it at that.

Join in on Awesome Giveaways (Closed)

You will so want to follow the #HealthyTogether hashtag on Facebook and Instagram where Nature Made is giving away awesome prize packages curated by influencers like me.

My prize includes put together some of my favorite things to help you achieve all the above so that your next vacation is the best one ever. The giveaway includes:

• Nature Made® Vitamins and Supplements
• White + Warren Travel Wrap
• Slip Silk Eye Mask
• Dead Sea Bath Salts
• Massage ball
• Kiehls Hydrating Mist
• Swell Traveler Bottle
• Jo Malone Travel Candle
• The Honest Co. Hand Sanitizer
• eos Travel Hand Lotion
• Organic Lavender Essential Oil

Learn more about why I chose each item by reading Easy Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling and there are even more helpful lifestyle tips at Nature Made’s Healthy Together.

How do you eat well while traveling?

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.