Tips For Traveling

As the NAMI convention approaches in June, I've decided to devote a blog entry to tips for healthy traveling, as well as common etiquette guides for tipping the people who serve to make your travel experience carefree.  Lastly, I'll give you some practical matters to consider.

First, here are "10 Tips for Healthy Traveling," taken from the SchizophreniaConnection bookmarks I'll be handing out to conference-goers:

1.      Start the day with whole-grain cereal/oatmeal and a glass of orange juice (OJ helps boost your immune system for crowded flights).

2.      Minimize sodium and alcohol.  If you do drink alcohol, make sure you stay hydrated.

3.      Bring a bottle of water with you when you travel.  Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and irritability and you're already at risk for all three in a hectic day of traveling.

4.      Don't eat flight snacks just because you're bored.  Prevent taking in unnecessary calories by waiting until you're hungry.

5.      Search out healthier food options like sandwiches, salads and yogurt at the airport.

6.      If you opt for a salad, include some kind of protein (chicken, turkey, or eggs).

7.      Cut down on calories by using mustards, no mayo, on your sandwiches and by skipping rolls and dessert that come in a flight's meal.

8.      Call your airline early to request special meals (some have healthier options).

9.      Don't depend on high-sodium pretzels and crackers for snacks.  Pack trail mix (peanuts, almonds, raisins, other dried fruits).

10.  Yogurt, cheese and crackers with an apple or a Mediterranean selection of olives are health snacks to take on the plane.

What I do when I'm traveling long distances on planes or trains:

My favorite healthful option is to buy power bars for snacks on the days I'm sightseeing or involved in a whirlwind of activities, also for the train or plane ride.  Remember, though, not all power bars are created equal.  Steer clear of tempting-sounding bars that contain food dyes, sucralose or added or artificial sugars and preservatives.  Two winners: Clif bars, which have 5 gm of fiber and 250 mg calcium, and Luna bars, also high in calcium and protein.  Even at home, every so often on the weekend I find a Clif bar and a glass of skim milk can stand in for lunch. 

What I like to do, when traveling, rather than buy food on board, is to go the night before to a local Starbuck's and buy a turkey sandwich to store in my carry-on.  I refrigerate it overnight and take it out in the morning.  A banana is great, too, because it has potassium and a medium banana has 5 gm fiber, which will keep you full and curb your hunger, making it virtually impossible to reach for anything unhealthful later on.