Genia’s Travel Tips
Prepare to succeed! When traveling, I like to prepare lots of goodies that I will keep in my bag. 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 heck breaks loose and we go for the junk. So we gotta prepare, and that means schlepping snacks that will keep us safe and satisfied.
Below is a healthy traveling kit that I myself created and 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
Oatmeal is a light and nourishing snack - with a sprinkle of salt. Carry your own Himalayan or Celtic salt. They actually make packets of Celtic salt – I carry a small stash in my purse. You can also get a bottle, which I’ve been known to do on longer trips myself. But back to oatmeal - it only requires hot water to cook, which you can get virtually anywhere. Plus, oatmeal is warming, soothing, and high in fiber, which is very helpful when traveling - get it?!
Rice Cakes are wonderful to crunch on. And personally, I love crunchy snacks. Bring along a container of your favorite spread (you can get a knife at the airport AFTER checking in). 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 high-protein snacks. Prepare a bag of nuts and seeds since they will always come in handy. You can also top your oatmeal with them.
I have recently noticed that more airports now carry high-quality roasted chickpeas. They are a great munch on any flight and offer 6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup.
Hydration and Electrolytes: It’s very important to drink water - at least 8 cups a day. Carry around a water bottle! I use a 4-cup bottle, so I only need one refill to meet my daily water quota. Remember to drink sporadically throughout the day and while in flight as it can be quite dry in a plane.
Before you travel, pack electrolyte hydration powder to balance your body. Traveling can distract you from drinking and dehydrate you, which causes weakness and exhaustion. Coconut water is also a great drink to increase your electrolytes, so that you can maintain your fluid levels, brain function, heart rhythm, and muscle control. Below is an easy electrolyte powder to travel with:
Vegetable sticks are wonderful to prepare in advance – and you can bring them though airport security! Vegetables make a great alternative to greasy potato chips. Carrots, celery, radishes, cucumbers, and jícama (if you can find in your grocery store) are what I prep in advance for my trip. Jícama is a root vegetable that contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Jícama is juicy and crunchy, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor – no wonder I love this vegetable. It’s also considered a cooling and refreshing vegetable, so if you’re heading to a hot destination, jícama’s sweetness and juiciness is perfect. The astringent taste and crunch also work well in a salad in place of croutons, and are more nutritious!
Chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans) are a very healthy snack, and convenient whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile. Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and fatty acids, which all increase circulation, boost immunity, and energize!
On a different note, 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!
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) 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 are 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:
Some of my go-to airport snacks include nuts and seeds (I go for the almonds and pumpkin seeds), chickpeas, and veggie juices (with low or no added sugar, or berries and apples if I need a boost of energy and potassium). I do have to admit, though, that I sometimes indulge with a crunchy bag of Baked Lays. It is vacation after all!
Much love and smooth travels,
Genia