Healthy Eating Whilst Travelling on Business

by Dr. Muireann Cullen, Manager at Nutrition & Health Foundation

We have all had to travel at some point in time, whether it’s for business or leisure. Many of us have enough trouble eating healthy on a day to day basis, so eating healthy on the go might seem near impossible. The Weight Management and Travel fact sheet by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (2014) states that travel can cause disruption to routine and make healthy habits difficult to maintain. The best way to stay in control of your eating habits is preparation, thinking ahead for each meal can help steer you away from the unhealthy options. If you are travelling, chances are you know where you are going, take the time to plan ahead and find restaurants/food markets that support with your healthy eating habits.

Several tips from registered dietitians Rikki Keen (Migala, 2014) and Christy Maskeroni (2012), might prove useful when on the road, be it for work or pleasure:

1. Eat light snacks like nuts or dried fruit every two to three hours to avoid urgent hunger.
2. Practice the ‘one and done’ rule, choose one high calorie food item or meal each day, enjoy it and then move on
3. Pack healthy meals and snacks ahead, if travelling through an airport, keep food and liquid rules in mind.
4. Buy something on the way to your destination; you can make the right decision as there are healthy options at airports and other public transport stations.
5. Rather than sitting and waiting at your terminal, use that time to look around for healthy options.
6. Call the airline ahead to see what options they offer, if there are no healthy options you can opt out of airline food.
7. Stay mindful of your healthy eating goals.
8. Stay hydrated, be sure to drink water throughout your trip, again be mindful of liquid limits at airports.
9. Make smart restaurant choices, look at the menu ahead and limit your alcohol intake.

For more tips and information see the links below

Fact Sheet: Weight Management and Travel. (2014, September 30).

Maskeroni, C. (2012, February 14). 7 Best Tips to Eat Healthy While Traveling.

Migala, J. (2014, August 22). 11 Rules for Eating Healthy on the Road.