Staying healthy on the road can be a challenge. This is one of the obstacles I help my personal clients to overcome. Not only do you need to navigate the dangers of the airport food-court, you’ll also be in a strange city with no access to the healthy stores, restaurants and treats you rely on at home. Even your home-away-from-home, wether it be hotel, motel, Holiday Inn, or a friend’s couch, might be a food desert. Ever tried getting something healthy and delicious from a room service menu? Not the easiest feat, I can tell you.

Over the last ten years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world and all throughout the states, united. I’ve mastered the best ways to make sure you always have access to mood, energy and health supportive snacks and meals when you’re on-the-go.

Let me paint you a picture:

You’re in Las Vegas for a fun-filled weekend or work-related conference, and you have tickets to see Elton John. (Lucky you!)

The hotel has three restaurants, but their menus mainly consist of caffeinated ice cream shakes, fried dough, meat, dessert and alcohol. Not exactly a recipe for pretty skin, rejuvenating sleep, and a sharp mind. Instead of relying on what the hotel has to offer, follow these instructions:

1. Rent a mini-fridge from the hotel. Just call when you book your room and ask to reserve a little refrigerator.

2. Go online before your trip and search for health food stores, farmers’ market or large grocery stores near your hotel. Try the following websites to hunt down a decent place to shop, and print out directions from your hotel and a phone number:

http://www.localharvest.org/

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

http://www.organicstorelocator.com/

3. As soon as you have a moment after checking in to your hotel, find the food store you looked up online and go shopping! If you don’t have a rental car, ask if the hotel has a shuttle service or just call a taxi. Choose healthy snacks, pre-made deli meals, fruit, and other bits and pieces that will help you get through your visit. I like to stock up on hummus, baby carrots, bananas, avocados, tortilla chips, whole grain (or gluten-free) crackers, dried fruit, nuts, small boxes of rice milk, and a really good bar of chocolate.

Your mini-fridge and shopping list will save you from relying on late-night BLTs, french fries and other overpriced, low-quality room service “food.”

If you’re overwhelmed with the obstacles to healthy living and vibrant energy you desire, contact me today to talk about how we can work together to overcome those pesky blocks!

Happy, healthy travels!

Alex