KAWARTHA LAKES-With summer right around the corner, vacations, long weekends, and celebrations, you will most likely be faced with the decision of what to eat while you are out and about. Oftentimes, convenience and budget play the biggest roles in selecting where you will eat, but with a little effort, you won’t be stuck eating unhealthy foods while on the road. Clean eating really doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t necessarily require you to pack a lunch on vacations or during your excursions. It simply requires persistence and a lot of dedication. When you make the decision to eat better, you will feel better, and in turn, look better. Here are my top tips for eating healthily while travelling around.
1)If you’re visiting from out of town, ask the locals in the area about family-owned restaurants. Fast-food chains are less likely to have locally-sourced, organic and healthy food options when it comes to eating on the go. Family-owned restaurants are more likely to not only offer organic items, but also items that are less processed, made-from-scratch and overall healthier. So wherever you are headed this summer, find the local restaurants and support small businesses!
2)Many U-Pick Farms offer “Farm-to-Table” dining right at the farm! Search Google to see if there is a farm in the area you are visiting. Choose restaurants that offer locally grown produce and “in house” made food, rather than many chain restaurants that receive their food frozen and already assembled. It’s one way you can really learn about the area you are visiting and eat healthily at the same time. Another option is to hit up your local farmers market-most small towns and big cities have them, so do a quick google search of wherever you are headed this summer to pick up something fresh and local while you are on the move.
3)Avoid all fast-food chains. Healthy doesn’t have to break the bank, but quick fix burgers and pre-made tacos will surely affect your health in negative ways, which costs a lot more in the long run. Fast food is easy and cheap, yes, but it’s full of fake ingredients, preservatives, and salt. If you can avoid them, you’ll also avoid bloating and weight gain while you travel.
4)Many health food stores offer dine-in options or take-out foods such as falafel, couscous, sushi, hummus and pita bread, quinoa salads, and other organic and vegetarian options. Search online to find the nearest health food store in any area and you will be guided to a plethora of natural food choices that are quick and convenient, too!
5.) When dining out, ask to substitute sides such as french fries with rice or steamed vegetables. Many times, restaurants will have no problem substituting the side starch options to double up on vegetable options. All you have to do is ask! Many restaurants post their menus outside, as well, so you can check out your options before fully committing to a table.
6.) Last but not least, if you end up eating at a less than an ideal clean eating restaurant, hit the salad section of the menu. All-you-can-eat restaurants will also offer salad bars where you can eat endless amounts of fruits and vegetables! As tempting as it might be, skip the dessert section when eating out. It’s easy to get distracted by chocolate lava cakes and giant cookies when eating out. Just remain dedicated to your clean-eating habits and remember that the benefits of healthful eating outweigh any desires to eat unhealthy foods!
So now you can head out on your family vacation without any worry! Clean eating on the go isn’t as hard as it seems! For more great tips and tricks, head over to www.sweathappywellness.com , and check out my online wellness coaching programs that clear out all the confusion when it comes to living your best life.
 photo credit: wuestenigel Brunch – tomato sauce and bruschetta. via photopin (license)
