Healthy Going

Nutritionist Naini Setalvad shares some tips on getting your diet right while travelling

More people are traveling today than ever before! Whether it is flying to attend business meetings or driving across cities to visit relatives, travel has become a big part of modern life.

Eating and groaning stomachs seem to go hand in hand with travelling. Many feel that having paid for stay and travel one is obliged to eat the complimentary meals. Please remember you are not charged for leaving some food untouched. One can, especially in hotels and flights, remember to request beforehand for healthy low fat meals. Though the situation is slowly starting to change, the bulk of food available on travel routes today are greasy fatty offerings. You could order a dish of vegetables, steamed, boiled, grilled or lightly sautéed. If soups are available one could ask without cream or croutons, all this accompanied with a main course which is not fried. Avoid white bread and white flour and go for whole grain, steam rice, grilled chicken, fish, sprouts and pulses lightly sautéed. If you are in an area where there seems to be no choice you could make a meal of bread with salad, boiled potato or boiled egg and finish with fresh fruits for desserts.

Water is the most wonderful drink. Always carry water with you. Sachets of herbal infusions and teas are light and easy to carry and can also make your water interesting, also substituting as a drink as it can be had chilled or hot.

Carry fresh fruits and vegetables with you. Oranges, apples and grape fruits travel well because they are thick skinned. Put soft skinned fruits such as bananas and grapes in a plastic bag and take precautions to keep them from getting bruised. Because it is not always convenient to wash fruits in small rest rooms, cut your fruit into bite-sized pieces at home. And don't forget to bring napkins!

Carry your food in a separate bag. Ask to have your food hand checked at the electronic check-in points at the airports if travelling by flights.

You can usually find fresh fruit. Although it might seem expensive it is still a health bargain compared to the same amount spent on a hamburger, french fries, and a beverage. You can always eat something more substantial later.

Carry distilled water with you in plastic bottles that can fit into your carry-on luggage.

Take along a bag of dried fruits for 'back up'. Dried fruits like apricots, dates and prunes travel well and can easily fit into your hand bag and not get spoilt.

If you go into the same areas over time, learn where the grocery stores and good salad bars are. You can always get a salad even in fast food places, restaurants or supermarkets in the airport (you can skip the dressing).

On The Road

Getting the food you need is easiest when you are traveling by road. You can carry a bag filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and water in your car. The mobility of the car makes it easy to stray off the beaten path to find fruit stands, farmers' markets and health food stores (when you are travelling abroad). Locating these sources of locally grown produce is half the fun because of all the interesting people you will meet along the way.

Don't eat all of your meals in your car! Get out at a roadside picnic area or some other beautiful spot and enjoy your surroundings. If you are staying in a small town with one or two restaurants, get acquainted with the owners and talk about what you like to eat. They may be very happy to accommodate your needs!

Good food planning helps make travel more enjoyable because one is full of energy due to healthy eating!