Why Eating Healthy on the Road Feels Like an Impossible Task
As a Gut Health Nutritionist who’s logged more miles than I care to admit, I can tell you firsthand: trying to eat healthy on the road? Not for the faint of heart.
Sure, you’ll indulge in a slice of pizza in Italy or sip wine in France, and you’ll definitely savor the local flavors wherever you go.
But if you’re hopping from city to city for work while battling food sensitivities and digestive drama, then those indulgent moments might come back to bite you.
So, if you’re ready to stop feeling awful after every meal on the road, here are a few of my go-to tips to keep you on track. And while you’re at it, learn more about my Digestive Reset Program because I can help you get your gut issues under control for good.
Safe travels—and may your gut thank you later!
Tip #1: Hydrate Like a Boss and Ditch the Plastic
If you want to stay hydrated, save some cash, and be a hero to the planet all at once, bringing your own water bottle is a no-brainer.
I never leave home without my trusty non-plastic bottle—whether I’m on a long trip or just running errands. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about cutting back on plastic exposure (trust me, it’s harder than it sounds).
Personally, I swear by my Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen. They’re durable, eco-friendly, and they make water taste way better than any plastic bottle ever could.
Tip #2: Snack Like a Pro and Stock Up On Non-Perishables for Your Travels
If you want to stay on top of your diet while out and about, packing your go-to non-perishable snacks makes all the difference. Just make sure they’re TSA-approved if you’re flying, because you don’t want to waste time arguing with security.
Here’s my go-to snack stash for road trips, airports, or when hunger strikes:
- Wild Planet Tuna Packs (a snack that’s both protein-packed and convenient)
- Purely Elizabeth Granola (made with certified gluten free oats and gut friendly ingredients)
- Fresh Fruit (apples, bananas, berries—throw ’em in your bag, and you’re good to go).
- Fresh Veggies (baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, spinach, and basil to make snacking feel healthy—and fancy).
- No-additive dried fruit (figs, apricots, dates… just check the label for the sugar sneaky stuff, Fruit Bliss is my personal favorite brand).
- Nuts & Seeds (if your gut can handle them—pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts… all great choices).
- Olive oil or homemade dressings (carry them in a reusable shaker or eco-friendly squeeze bottle, and avoid those plastic containers).
- Wild Berry Mix by Eden Organics (snack attack = elevated).
- Snack Bars (That’s It Fruit Bars, Lara Bars, Kind Bars, Kate’s Real Food Bars, and Epic Bars for when you need to eat on the go).
- Bare Fruit & Veggie Snacks (for when you’re feeling fruity).
- Artisana Travel Size Nut Butters (enjoy organic, no-additive nut butters in these single-serve packets, choose from almond, cashew, pecan, walnut, and coconut).
- Mary’s Gone Crackers (a great crunchy and savory snack).
- Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes (you can make them fancy with your favorite toppings, like the nut butters mentioned above).
- Jackson’s Honest Potato Chips (these are sans inflammatory industrialized seed oils)
- Wraps (Emerald Cove Nori Sheets, Siete Almond Flour Wraps, Nuco Coconut Wraps, or even Food for Life Tortillas—all great gluten free choices for wraps).
Keep it clean so you can take it easy on your gut. These snack brands are the ones that keep it simple, no crazy additives or fillers with names you can’t pronounce. This is a crucial step to help keep your gut calm.
Tip #3: Grab Yourself a Small Cooler if You’re Hitting the Road
Gas stations are basically the Bermuda Triangle for fresh produce. So, if you’re smart, you’ll snag a small cooler and an ice pack, and load it up with your favorite chilled snacks.
Bring some crunchy veggies, homemade dressings, and tortillas for easy DIY wraps. You can also prep a salad, pack up leftovers, throw in some homemade dips, or slice up fruits and veggies to keep cool for your never-ending drive.
And don’t forget to pack a few cans of plain, unsweetened seltzer with lemon slices. It’s like a refreshing treat for your taste buds while you’re on the go.
Tip #4: Book an AirBnB with a Kitchen—Your Wallet (and Gut) Will High-Five You
If you’re always on the road for work, hotels without kitchens can be a total nightmare. Why not switch it up and grab an AirBnB instead?
You can also get groceries delivered straight to the place you’re staying with Instacart. No more scrambling around trying to find healthy options in a panic. You’ve got everything you need to whip up a meal without the chaos!
Tip #5: Map Out Your Greenways, Gyms, Yoga Studios, and Healthy Eats Before You Go!
You’ve got to plan ahead, okay?
Bookmark or star a few spots on your Apple or Google Maps app before you even leave. Greenways, Trails, Yoga Studios, Gyms, Restaurants, Gluten Free Options, you get the picture. Put a little star on them in your app so you can find them easily.
Exercise and physical movement are key to a healthy happy gut.
When I’m on long drives, I carve out a 20-minute run break. It does two things: it keeps me awake and keeps my metabolism humming.
If you’re stuck in an airport, use the stairs instead of the escalator. If you’ve got a long layover, take a lap around the terminal. Move, don’t just sit there.
Once I get to my destination, I stretch like a warrior to release all that stiffness from the hours of sitting. Then, I map out how I’m going to sneak in some movement during my trip.
If we’re being honest, you’ll probably be eating out at some point—it’s the best way to savor the flavors and get to know the local culture. My top app for finding a healthy spot is the Eat Well Guide.
Here’s the Best Part: I’ve Got Your Back in Finding Your Way to True Vitality
No more guessing games, no more randomly eliminating foods and hoping for a miracle.
I’m here to help you design a clear, customized path to wellness that’s built specifically for your body. We’ll pinpoint the exact foods causing your gut issues, then work together to create a plan that heals and restores balance. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a solution tailored to you.
Ready to uncover the true cause of your gut inflammation and start your transformational gut healing journey? My program is custom-built and reserved only for those who’re ready to go all in. Schedule your digestive assessment with me to get started.
