Lots of my clients have been asking me for travel tips to help them stay on track while on vacation. If you’re like me, you’ve been seriously missing traveling during quarantine, and you’re ready to get out there and enjoy the world! But then, the worry sets in – will I be able to manage my PCOS and not lose progress while I’m traveling? What about all the treats and lying around and rich food I’ll be having? What about the tropical drinks and cocktails I want? The answer is you can totally stay healthy and avoid losing progress while on vacation. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Plan, plan plan: healthy travel takes a little forethought
Plan ahead – learn about the cuisine and options where you’ll be ahead of time, so you already know some options that will work for you. Are they known for seafood? Great, lean into that. Do they have lots of bean based dishes like hummus and falafel or tacos and tamales? Go for that. Just be sure you have a balance of protein and healthy fats with your carbs. Learn more about balancing blood sugar here, and remember these tips while you’re out and about.
Book a food tour: Find ways to integrate your PCOS diet with local cuisine
Yup, that’s right. Not only is this a fun way to experience local cuisine, but it helps you get the lay of the land and plan out some meals. I find that if you do this at the start of your vacation, you get some local knowledge and will have a go-to coffee shop and cafe and dishes that you like and work for you for the whole trip.
Shop local: Get healthy groceries while you’re traveling
I don’t know about you, but I love grocery shopping, and I love checking out the different products and produce they have in different cities. Stop by the local grocery store when you get to your destination and grab some backup snacks for your hotel room and your purse. Protein bars, fruit, nut butters, yogurt, hummus and crackers are great room and on-the-go snacks just in case you get caught in a tough spot where you’re out and about and start feeling famished. Plus, you get a more intimate picture of local cuisine.
Build in physical activity: Stay fit while you travel
Build exercise into your vacation – swimming, bike tours, paddle boarding, hiking, walking around a city to explore – these are all great ways to stay active while you’re on vacation. Be sure to pack a little bit of gear, whether it’s running shoes, a sports bra or a bathing suit.
Make time for rest & relaxation: Lower cortisol
Don’t forget to build in some time for relaxation! This may mean lazing around by the pool, hanging out at a cafe slowly sipping espresso or just chilling on the beach. This helps lower cortisol levels and will ultimately help you better manage your PCOS.
Most importantly, have fun! Don’t stress too much, and be sure to enjoy some delicious treats without guilt.
Need some more personalized travel and diet tips for your PCOS? Book a free Nutrition Chat to make a plan.
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