You know that feeling when you’re about to spend a long weekend in some far-off location? Or maybe you’re about to join your family for the holidays? Either way, it means there will be plenty of time spent outdoors. So, obviously, the best thing to do is pack your plate with all kinds of fresh and healthy foods. Because no self-respecting vacationer would want to subsist on fast food or takeout the entire time—right?
And if you really want to give your vacation an additional boost, why not add in some additional nutrients as well? Vacations are meant to relax and forget about everyday stresses. But without an adequate supply of nutrient-dense foods, they don’t quite work as intended.
Taking regular breaks from a hectic routine is undoubtedly beneficial — but only when the break isn’t completely cut off from everything we know and love. Before we go any further let’s check out which foods are actually the best to eat while you’re on vacation:
The Right Foods At the Right Times
The easiest way to ensure you get the most out of your vacation is to plan ahead. If you’re heading to a tropical destination, you’ll need to replace your normal diet with lots of fresh fruit. If you’re going somewhere with a more Mediterranean climate, you can easily substitute a lot of vegetables.
And if you’re going to a place that experiences a lot of dry heat, you’ll want to make sure you stock up on lots of water-rich foods. So, figure out ahead of time what kind of climate you’ll be in and what sort of diet you’ll need to maintain.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the best foods to eat while you’re on vacation, hands down. They’re inexpensive, portable, and delicious. And while they’re certainly a great source of protein, they’re also a great source of vitamins too. Among other key nutrients such as iron, B-6, and folate.
Eggs are also a great source of choline, which is crucial for healthy nervous system function. So, if you’re headed somewhere hot, you can have a couple of eggs a day to make sure you’re staying hydrated and getting the nutrients you need.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best foods to eat when you’re on vacation. It’s a great fish for almost any climate, and it’s delicious too. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy brain function and mood. It’s also rich in protein and healthy fats, so it will keep you feeling full and satiated.
And, best of all, it’s relatively cheap. So, you can buy a few cans of salmon and keep them in your room. Just make sure they’re in an air-tight container so they don’t go bad, and you’ll be good to go.
Dark, Leafy Greens
There are a ton of great leafy greens out there, but one really stands out as the best food to eat while you’re on vacation. And that’s kale. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than other greens, but it’s so incredibly nutrient-rich, it’s well worth the investment.
Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as manganese, fiber, and potassium. It’s also rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, which helps prevent the common cold. So, eat kale every day for a week before you leave, and you’ll be set for the rest of your trip.
Berries
If you’re heading somewhere cold, berries are a really good food to eat while you’re on vacation. They’re relatively inexpensive, they’re easy to pack, and they’re delicious. Blueberries are great, but so are blackberries, strawberries, and more.
These are great foods to eat while you’re on vacation because they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great for your health. You don’t even have to pack them in your suitcase, you can just buy them at the grocery store and pack them in your suitcase for your trip.
Legumes
If you’re heading somewhere hot, you can easily replace some of your meat with legumes. Beans, in particular, are great foods to add in when you’re on vacation, because they’re relatively cheap, filling, and protein-rich. Black beans, for example, are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
And they’re rich in antioxidants, which are great for your health, and help you maintain a healthy weight. So, what better way to fit some extra veggies into your diet than by eating beans while you’re on vacation?
Wild Seafood
Wild-caught seafood is one of the best foods to eat while you’re on vacation because it’s so rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also low in fat and high in protein, making it a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight.
Wild-caught fish is typically rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good health and weight loss. You’re also getting vitamins and minerals from the ocean, making wild-caught seafood one of the best foods to eat while you’re on vacation.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt about it, vacationing is healthy for the body and mind. But it’s also important to eat the right foods, especially if you’re going somewhere hot or cold. Fortunately, there are tons of foods you can easily pack and bring with you to make sure you’re eating right. Just make sure you keep them in your room, and you’ll be ready to eat well.