Making healthy choices when traveling

When we travel for conferences, holidays, vacations, or other special occasions, it’s a challenge to make healthy choices. There’s the temptation of “good” food (as in good tasting, sweet, and fat-filled favorites). But we can indulge some while still making healthy choices when traveling.

Making healthy choices when traveling

Being away from home often presents the opportunity to try new foods or some of our old favorites. Eating out (and not having to prepare regular meals) is one of the perks of vacations and special occasions. A special bonus is enjoying the company of family and friends. But how do we balance the fun of traveling with making healthy choices?

  • Recognize we shouldn’t completely let go of making healthy choices, while we embrace the opportunity to enjoy food and opportunities we often deny ourselves. Strive for moderation and smaller portions of the unhealthy foods.
  • Keep a focus on fruits and vegetables prepared in a healthy way as we also treat ourselves to some less healthy options.
  • Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration or a change in bowel habits.
  • Try to maintain physical activity. If in an area that allows walking, take advantage of these opportunities–the beach, nature trails, or walking tours.
  • Be sure to get adequate sleep.
  • When you return, if you notice a few pounds added, strive for healthy eating and extra physical activity to get back to a healthier weight.

Getting away from the daily grind for a brief escape is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health. We can enjoy ourselves, even as we continue our goal of making healthy choices.*

I pray we can all enjoy ourselves on vacations and special occasions without giving our health a setback.

Instagram reel with healthy travel tips.

16 Comments

  1. J.D. Wininger says:

    Well stated ma’am. I suspect you know this, but I and others were peeking at your plate at a recent conference. I, for one, appreciated seeing how you live our your advice and counsel. You made sensible choices, splurged now and again with sensible portions of what was irresistible to many, and I always saw you with a bottle of water in your hand. You live it out ma’am. What a wonderful testimony to your beliefs. We see that in your Christian life as well. Great object lesson there.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Loved your message, J.D. You gifted me with a belly laugh about examining my plate. I have been accused of being a “food police” although I strive to avoid looking at or commenting on other people’s plates. I’m sure you noticed that I always got desserts (my weakness), but you’re right–I keep my portions small, eat lots of vegetables, and drink water. Thanks for the gift of joy you share, my friend. So good to have the opportunity to meet and chat with you at Blue Ridge. Wishing you continued blessings, kind sir, and much happiness. Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus with all you meet.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Diana. Wishing you a healthy and happy day.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you for your encouragement, Lisa. I’m thankful my message was helpful. Praying for you.

  2. Something about being out of routine and on the road triggers the petulant “I deserve french fries”. Great wisdom about keeping our health a priority no matter where we are. Thanks, Katherine!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Mary. It’s tough not to overindulge when we travel, but a little indulging, at times, is good for us, I think–as long as we look at the big picture, focusing on our overall health and good habits. Blessings, my friend.

  3. Great reminders here, Katherine. Vacation time makes good dietary choices harder. Thanks and God bless!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Vacations and those other special occasions are a real challenge for maintaining healthy habits, but our God will help us to indulge in moderation. He is with us through the temptations. Peace and blessings!

  4. Wise advice, indeed, Katherine.
    I admit I gained a little weight last week at the conference. Though I walked quite a bit, it wasn’t enough to offset the extra calories.
    So now I’m back to working to shed the excess.
    Thanks for your continued encouragement for improving health.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Good for you, Connie! With so much good food available, it’s hard not to gain weight when we eat cafeteria style. So proud of you for working to shed the extra pounds. Wishing you joy and blessings.

  5. Terri Miller says:

    Great practical advice, Katherine. It’s important to know that we don’t have to deny ourselves the occasional treat as long as we make a healthy lifestyle the rule.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      I agree, Terri. An occasional treat is something to look forward to and if our lifestyle is one of making healthy choices the majority of the time, we don’t feel guilty about those treats. Peace and blessings!

  6. good ideas for continuing healthy habits while traveling. Thanks Katherine!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you for your kind encouragement, Kathy. Wishing you a healthy and happy week.

Comments are closed.