Genia’s Travel Tips

Prepare to succeed! When traveling I like to prepare my goodies that I will keep in my healthy safe zone. I have noticed that airports have healthier choices in their stores - people are getting food smarter. That said, you still need to read labels and travel prepared.

While traveling, you’re at the mercy of flight delays, jet lag, and your own appetite. You know what that means - all h… breaks loose and we go for the junk. So we gotta prepare, and that means schlepping snacks and foods that will keep us safe and satisfied.

Below is a healthy traveling kit that I myself use, inspired by Ayurvedic ideas:

Carry Herbal Tea bags when you travel. Ginger Tea, Peppermint Tea, Green Tea, Smoove Move, and Triphala. All these teas have medicinal properties. Please purchase organic teas as they are high quality, and are not made with synthetic sachets.
ginger - good for upset stomach, nausea, digestive health
peppermint - digestion, headaches, freshens breath, relieves clogged sinuses
Green Tea - cognitive function, antioxidants, energy
Smoove Move - relieves constipation
Triphala - an ayurvedic digestive support, consisting of three fruits in a capsule, helps keep digestion smooth and elimination regular.

Teas and triphala herb

Oatmeal is a quick and nourishing light meal - with a sprinkle of salt. Carry your own Himalayan or Celtic salt. They actually make packets of Celtic salt - it’s new on the market - yay! I carry a stash in my purse. You can also carry a small salt bottle. I do that, too, on longer trips. Trust me, if you like quality salt, rest assured you will not have an easy time finding your five star condiment. Back to oatmeal - it only requires hot water to cook. It’s easy to ask for hot water in an airplane, hotel. or gas station. Oatmeal is warming, soothing, and high in fiber - helpful when traveling - get it?

Celtic and Himalayan salt

DIY: Grind your oatmeal in a coffee grinder and place in a container.

Rice Cakes are wonderful to crunch on. And personally, I love crunchy snacks. Bring along a container of your favorite spread with a plastic knife. This simple snack can go a long way on any journey. Fresh guacamole and almond (or nut-free sunflower) butter are two of my favorite toppings.

Nuts and seeds are fantastic snacks and high in protein. Prepare a bag of nuts and seeds - they will always come in handy. You can also top them on your oatmeal.

Pumpkin seeds and almonds

Hydration and Electrolytes: It’s very important to drink water - at least 8 cups a day. Carry around a water bottle. The larger the bottle, the less you have to fill it up. I use a four cup bottle - 2 refills and I fulfill my daily water quota. Remember to drink sporadically throughout the day.

Before you travel, pack electrolyte hydration powder to balance your body - traveling can distract you from drinking, and can dehydrate you, which causes weakness and exhaustion. Coconut water is a great drink to increase your electrolytes as well - which maintain your fluid and energy levels, brain function, heart rhythm and muscle control. Below is an easy electrolyte  powder to travel with:

Electrolytes - Ultima makes a few flavors

One of my new travel staples are compression socks. Ya, I said it - socks! I had never worn them until recently. I was traveling a lot and experienced swelling in my ankles from sitting so long on the plane. When seated for an extended period of time, the compression socks work to stimulate circulation in the legs, which helps prevent swelling and blood clots. You can wear them for up to 16 hours. Companies make really cool looking compression socks. Take them on your travels - and wear them on the plane!

Compression socks

Circulation is essential to one’s health and immunity while traveling. Sitting for long periods of time can cause swollen ankles, buildups of toxins, and (G-d forbid) cause blood clots - why compression socks are so helpful. We need the continued flow of blood and energy throughout the body. Simple stretches will also encourage your circulation. Here’s a few stretches you can do in a public space - even at a gas station:

1- touch your toes then reach for the sky several times

2- hold onto the back of your chair and twist spine

3- while sitting, hug your knees to your chest

4- when at a rest stop, walk around or even do a few jumping jacks if possible to get your heart rate up

5- once you get to your destination, try putting your legs up the wall to ease swelling

Genia’s Spoon Me Tips:

My go-to airport snacks: chickpeas, nuts - I go for the almonds and pumpkin seeds, veggie juices - low or no added sugar, or bananas and apples - if I need a boost of energy and potassium. Sometimes I indulge with a bag of baked lays - they do have a great crunch. It is vacation after all!

Much love and smooth travels,
Genia