Healthy Eating On the Go

Seasoned travelers know to embrace the unexpected. But when it comes to food, eating the unknown can set you perilously off course.

"It's possible to enjoy your vacation without letting it derail your diet as long as you plan ahead," said Erin Hobday, Nutrition and Diet Editor for SELF Magazine.

Before you head off on your next trip, take the following advice for planning ahead, snacking smart and enjoying your getaway, without letting yourself go.

Plan Ahead

Regardless of the length of your trip, you're going to want a snack. Be prepared and bring healthy options with you.

"If you're going on a road trip, I recommend packing a mini-cooler of healthy sandwiches, filtered water and fresh fruit," nutritionist Christine Avanti said. "If you're flying, you can pack a brown-bag lunch as opposed to succumbing to the salted nuts and preservative-loaded packaged snacks the airlines offer."

Hobday recommends making sure you book a hotel room with a fridge "so you have healthy snacks and meals on hand. Pick up high-fiber cereal and skim milk, fat-free yogurt, fresh veggies and fruit." That way you'll stave off the urge to splurge on 2 a.m. macadamia nuts or MSG-filled party mix.

Also, try to do some basic research on the cuisine eaten where you're headed and look for restaurants that serve lighter, healthier fare. Local specialities tend to be high-fat, deep-fried or sugar-laden goodies. Your stomach and waistline will thank you if you know to balance out oily curries with oven-baked tandooris.

Trying new foods is one of the best parts of travelling, so make a game-plan for what you know you'll want to devour. "Choose which decadent specialties you really want to splurge on," Hobday said. "Have one indulgent item per day, and then choose lighter fare at the rest of your meals."

Smart Solutions

It's not always possible to find fresh and healthy options on the go. If you're in a jam there are a few packaged goods and fast foods to look out for or take with you.