Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

If you know me, you know I love food! And traveling as a foodie can be one of life’s great pleasures. But what if you want to savor those travel bites without waking up to that dreaded "food hangover" the next morning? You k is what I mean - waking up bloated and blah from having overindulged the day before. So today, I’m sharing some tips to enjoy the flavors of your travels while feeling good and energized throughout.

I was recently in sunny California for a short trip, and yes, I’m writing this from somewhere that’s not my home office! This whirlwind travel experience reminded me of just how important a little planning is for keeping me fueled and feeling my best—especially when there’s no time to grab a meal between flights and meetings.

Why a Little Planning Goes a Long Way

You might have heard that classic saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” While it sounds a bit strict, there’s truth in it. Last week, when I was literally running to catch my flight, I was so thankful I’d packed some PFC snacks (protein, fat, and carbs). It wasn’t exactly a gourmet dinner, but it kept me fueled and satisfied, avoiding the “whatever’s on hand” airport or airplane snack. Having something simple but balanced really saved the day.

Breakfast Goals: Starting Your Day Right

On the trip I had calls back-to-back, which meant no time to go out for breakfast. Thankfully, the hotel delivered, quite literally! I ordered an egg white omelet with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, chicken sausages, and a side of fresh fruit. It was delicious, balanced, and fit my gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free preferences. This little bit of forethought made a huge difference in how I felt, keeping any bloat or sluggish feelings at bay. Plus, it’s so helpful for keeping cellular inflammation low and energy high.

Planning Your Next Meal on the Go

With a bit of prep, I also knew where I’d grab lunch later—a nearby spot with a great salad bar. If I’m not in the mood for a salad, they’ve got daily specials with plenty of nutritious options. I’ll also have a few snacks on hand for the afternoon before I head to more meetings and dinner plans.

These small steps don’t take much effort but make a big difference. Just a little planning (and researching some good places nearby) means I’ll be fueled up without feeling over full or sluggish, even on a packed schedule.

Staying Flexible While Eating Out

While I’ve been practicing these habits for over a decade, I know it might feel a little tricky at first. Now, I’m always prepared and know that if I’m in a pinch, I can find something in just about any store or menu that’ll work for me—even if it’s not a “five-star” dish. And for anyone feeling overwhelmed by making healthy choices while traveling, it gets easier! These are the same tips I work on with clients so they can feel balanced without food becoming their full-time job. And I also teach other HealthPros how to integrate this lifestyle with their clients. 

Here’s to living a life you love—one that keeps you fueled, fulfilled, and free to enjoy all the things you adore (without feeling deprived).