Tips

5 Top Ways to Eat Well While Traveling

Internationally recognized health and wellness expert Uche Odiatu offered Convening Leaders attendees these healthy-eating tips specific to business travelers.

1. Eat with mindful intention versus wanton abandon. Studies have shown that we choose healthier meals when we take the time to think about why we eat, what we eat, and which part of our body needs the best nutrition and fuel for repair. Next time you pass by an airport kiosk selling candy or honey-roasted peanuts, ask yourself, “Do I want more sustained energy or a short-lived energy spike?” and “Is the next food choice going to bring me closer to ideal health or further away from it?”

2. When packing, include snacks along with your curling iron or dress shoes. Bring some high-quality meal replacement or protein bars with you in your carry-on. A small sandwich bag with assorted non-salted nuts or an apple goes a long way on flights under four hours where they don’t serve meals.

3. Never skip breakfast the morning you travel or before a big conference. Front-load your day with a high-protein breakfast. Eating optimal nutrition first thing in the morning allows the primitive part of your brain to chill out and relax and put the search for its next meal on the back burner. You will be better able to handle work challenges and stress if your body has ingested a good source of fats (such as omega-3 eggs) or energy-building carbs (a great choice is oatmeal).

4. If you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Water is one of my seven pillars of health. Without adequate water, all metabolic and neural activity is hampered. Buy a nice-looking, BPA-free container, and carry it with you all day. Don’t forget to fill it up twice for a total of two liters or two quarts.

5. Fill your plate with color. A naturopathic doctor friend of mine once told me that one of the easiest ways to boost one’s health and vitality was to simply begin eating more brightly colored fruits and vegetables each day.

Convene Editors