Eating Healthy Whilst Travelling

Getting away and planning a break or an adventure always provides excitement and something to look forward. Yet it does not come without challenges of it's own. Trying to stay healthy whilst travelling especially via air, for the most health conscious of us is a challenge definitely, but for those of us that have other dietary needs, yes good old allergies and intolerances, it can prove even harder.

For most people that are on the move, it's easy to reach for the quick and quiet often unhealthy snacks or even opt for fast convenient food. However, I for one don't get that choice, having fairly recently being diagnosed with anaphylaxis, which can be triggered by a variety of foods including wheat, barley, almonds, pineapple amongst a few more. I alongside many other travellers have to be that one step ahead and a lot more prepared and conscious of what is in the food. So, in short most of the common fast food outlets you get across the globes many airports, ports etc do not serve anything I can safely eat, which when your partner and kids can eat most things it can be really frustrating and also a bit isolating even.

I've put together some ways to cut the stressful scouring of airport offerings as the hunger pangs kick in and staying on track with either your health goals or having control of what you are eating, saving any nasty body reactions etc.

Look ahead to see what you are allowed to take, if its abroad, check the country/countries your visiting restrictions and allowances of what you can take it. Currently no liquids other those purchased airside within the UK are allowed on board.

Nuts, seeds, dried fruit can be a good option, if diet allows, these can be pre portioned in sealable bags or mini reusable plastic tubes. It is however, worth checking with the airline as sometimes they have to run a nut-free flight if an air born nut allergy sufferer is travelling onboard.

Following a recent long haul trip with my other half, I've found home made healthy protein or energy balls are a good shout and easy to pre make dependant on taste preference (lemon and chia seed or peanut butter and date are my favourite) as well as keeping you going on long distance travel they can provide something sweet. Rice or corn cakes, unsweetened ones, are my go to as well as some fruit and veg like carrot sticks that are pre-prepared.

Dependant on time of travel, if you can eat before so you are fed before you start your journey can help as it provides a bit of a foundation, but maybe not ideal, if you have an early flight. Check out what the airport has in advance online, be savvy with your research and look at menus etc, this can save a lot of unnecessary trawling from one place to another checking out menus and by which point sometimes queues form at popular places, we've found this a few times. When you are at a restaurant, don't be frightened to ask for alternatives, swaps or with outs. If we are on an early flight to me and think my other half would agree part of the trip is the bite to eat at the airport, especially breakfast. For me asking for the scrambled egg without bread is the easiest option as even gluten free bread can still have wheat in (however, I must admit I am still not a fan of, a horrid after taste - unless its home made and have had a few lovely slices - but I'd rather enjoy my egg without it if its not). A tomato, mushroom, avocado or slice of bacon provides a great alternative accompaniment to my eggs.

Plane food, now if you are travelling somewhere where the meal is included, check with the airline about the menus they offer, as there is a big variety offered quiet often - I opted for a gluten free on this recent trip and yes I still had to be aware of what was in it and had to do some pudding swaps with other half when pineapple was in mine but not his and spoke to the amazing cabin crew on the routes. Taking your own tea bags or coffee sachets can help if want decaffeinated or herbal/fruit flavour tea, just again check requirements at destination country as you may have to bin remaining or at least declare it at customs on arrival.

Finally, keeping hydrated with water will go along way from tiredness, skin and digestion, ideally keeping caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks to a minimal on a long journey.