Weight Management and Travel
by Niamh Lonergan | 23rd Jun 2022
The chaos at Dublin Airport in the past month or so is a sure sign that most of us have planned a summer packed with travel and we are most certainly on the go a lot more than we would have been the last two years during the pandemic. For some of us, this may bring about some concerns about managing our weight over the summer months.
Weight management while “on the go” or travelling can be a challenge for many of us. While it may not be realistic to expect that your weight loss will continue while you’re on your holiday, a more realistic goal may be to make some healthier food choices while you are travelling or waiting at the airport. This doesn't have to involve restricting our food intake and placing rules on our food choices, but that doesn’t mean you have to erase lots of good work either!
Travel can cause disruption to our usual routine and make healthy habits hard to maintain. When hunger strikes, eating “on the go” can mean you are more likely to choose unhealthier meals and snacks, which can be high in calories, sugar, fat and salt. The best way to ensure you are not caught off guard is to be prepared! Preparation allows you to remain in control, and not reliant on unhealthy food choices.
Reduce unhealthy eating at the airport or while travelling by:
1. Planning ahead; We all know how difficult it is to find healthy food options at the airport, as well as airport food typically being quite expensive! Why not plan ahead and bring a sandwich or overnight oats/granola with fruit. You’ll not only save yourself money and avoid the long queues for food at the airport, but these types of foods are high in protein and fibre, leaving you feeling fuller for longer and provide a slow release of energy to keep you going during what can often be a long day of travelling.
2. Take the stairs instead of lifts and escalators; why not use the wait in the airport as an opportunity to get your steps in!
3. Watch your alcohol intake; while we all enjoy an airport pint, the waiting around can sometimes lead to us overconsuming alcohol just purely out of boredom. Try to limit your alcohol intake and the high calorie, high salt, snacks such as peanuts and crisps and make sure to drink water in between your drinks!
4. Staying hydrated throughout the day; Water is the best option for this. Try to avoid sugary drinks, as this will add unnecessary calories to your day’s intake.
Finally, enjoy your holidays!
Holidays should not be filled with stress around food or dieting. Trying new cuisines and cultures is all a part of the adventure, so try to relax and enjoy the break from your usual routine. Laying out a positive foundation before you leave and while travelling to your destination will help you make more balanced choices when you’re away, ensuring there is no need for any strict post-holiday diets. Here at Gourmet Fuel we can support you with laying out this foundation by delivering portion controlled, delicious and ready to eat/heat meals. Don't arrive unprepared to the airport this summer; take along one of our Overnight Oat breakfasts or a tasty salad!