Challenges of healthy food on the go
If you follow the Autoimmune Protocol Paleo diet, you know the importance of strictly adhering to your dietary pattern to support your health (digestive system). But what happens when you're on your way to your favorite holiday destination? Traveling can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding AIP-friendly meals. In this blog post, we share some useful tips and suggestions to help you with healthy food on the go.
Good planning in advance for healthy food on the go
Traveling is an exciting and adventurous experience, but before you embark on your journey, it's essential to do some preparatory work. For example, research restaurants at your destination that cook dishes with AIP-approved foods or look for supermarkets nearby. Make a list of these places in advance and note down the locations and contact details. Planning ahead prevents you from having to search for suitable dining options on the spot. Additionally, bringing AIP-friendly snacks is a good idea, especially if you're frequently on the move and don't have direct access to AIP meals. Think of items like fruit containers, AIP-friendly cake, or cookies. These snacks can help prevent hunger on the go and keep your energy levels up.
Is cooking yourself a possibility?
If you're staying in an Airbnb on vacation, it's often convenient to be able to cook for yourself. One thing you can do is bring grass-fed meat, including a cool pack, on the plane. This ensures you meet your protein needs. If you plan to stay in a hotel, contact the accommodation in advance to inform them of your specific dietary requirements. Ask if they're willing to make adjustments to meals or provide access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. When possible, it can be interesting to visit local markets or farmers' markets. These often offer fresh, seasonal products that fit within the AIP diet. Try locally grown vegetables and fruits to make your meals tasty and nutritious.
Simply ask the restaurant
Don't be afraid to be creative and make requests at restaurants. Ask, for example, if they can prepare a dish without certain ingredients or explicitly cook it in a different pan. Most restaurants are willing to make adjustments to accommodate special dietary needs. In some countries, language and communication barriers may make it harder to convey your dietary requirements. For this, you could bring a printed version of the yes/no list + phases, using pictures to clearly communicate what you can and cannot eat.
Following the AIP diet while traveling requires some extra effort and planning, but it's definitely possible. With the right preparation and communication, you can enjoy your travel experience while feeling physically and mentally fit. For more information on recipes or the yes/no list + phases, take a look at the site
