Taking a trip across the Atlantic to a European destination is something to truly look forward to. If you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, though, you may be worried about your chances of staying on track. Without access to some of the conveniences of home, it may be more difficult to keep up with your healthy habits. The truth is you can continue to stick with your healthy eating if you make it a priority. Here are some easy tips to follow to stay healthy during your travels through the old continent.
1. Don’t Rely on Walking Alone
Taking a tour of the major sites in some of the most beautiful European cities can sometimes have you walking miles each day. Don’t use your lengthy walks as an excuse to start overeating. Many people grossly overestimate the amount of physical activity that is done on a daily basis. It’s still important to consider the amount of calories you’re consuming each day primarily.
2. Ask for Tap Water
The next tip is to ask for tap water when dining out. At home, a glass of water is a typical start to any restaurant meal. In Europe, water isn’t given out automatically, and if you ask for water, you may end up with pricey bottled water. Make sure you specifically ask for tap water, so you can get a free source of constant hydration. If you’re visiting Italy, bring along an empty water bottle, and be sure to use some of the many free water fountains for delicious and free water all day long.
3. Stay Away From Appetizers
Another helpful piece of advice for eating in restaurants is to stay away from appetizers. Even if you haven’t ordered any appetizers, your waiter may place a basket of bread or a bowl of oily olives on your table. Hungry diners may inadvertently start snacking, giving you extra empty calories beyond your daily requirement. When you get the bill, you could also see additional charges for these sneaky additions because they’re usually not free.
4. Shop at the Market
Staying on track with a diet means that you need to eat out at restaurants less as well. When traveling, that can be difficult unless you have cooking facilities in your accommodations. If you have access to a kitchen, use the local market to help you stay on track with your food choices. Then, you can take your ingredients back to your temporary home and create your own menu. Going to a foreign grocery store can be a fascinating glimpse at the local culture as well.
5. Stick With What You Know
Going away from your comfort zone can be a great experience when traveling, but if you’re trying to follow an eating plan, you may need to stick with what you know. That doesn’t mean simply dining at the local McDonald’s or other fast food offering. Instead, order items that you have a fair idea of the nutritional content, such as grilled chicken, baked fish, or steamed vegetables.
6. Pile on the Produce
One food that you may get more access to when traveling through Europe, depending on the season, is local produce. With more daily farmer’s markets throughout the regions of Europe, you could get fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables for each day of your trip. Each morning, most major cities and even smaller ones operate produce markets during the warmer months of the year.
7. Pack Healthy Standards
For those trying to follow a specific food plan or maintain a significant weight loss, it may be smart to include some of your non-perishable standards in your luggage. If you have some room in your checked baggage, you may want to pack a few healthy snacks or basics if you don’t anticipate finding them in your destination. Consider putting healthy hamptoncreek favorite Just Mayo in your bags to have a better option for your sandwiches.
8. Try Small Bites
Finally, there are times when you just need to stop thinking about your diet and experience a new taste. For local fresh specialties, you can afford a small bite in your caloric allowance. Buttery French escargot, crisp fried Portuguese octopus, rich Chianti wine, or heavenly German schnitzel can be enjoyed with a tiny taste.
When you’re planning a European voyage while trying to maintain a healthy diet, don’t give up. It’s possible to get the best of both worlds during your trip, healthy eating and enjoyable experiences, if you follow these simple guidelines.