Healthy travel, is it possible?

In an earlier post I promised to fill you in on some of my travel tips!  So here you are:

Chemometrics Training, Boulder CO

Healthy travel, is it possible?  Whether you travel for work, or exclusively for pleasure (grumbling road warriors insert jealously here) You know how difficult it is to maintain your healthy lifestyle while away from home.  Who of us doesn’t look forward to that beach vacation, or exploring the national parks or that dreamed of wine tour in Tuscany?  Yep wine again, it is a reoccurring theme in my life!  Anyways, we all long for that relaxation but what happens to your routine? Are you dealing with food sensitivity or worse full blown allergies?  Or even if you just strive to maintain a clean eating style it can feel nearly impossible to navigate these needs while traveling.

And yes you road warriors, we know the looks people give you when you

These are the work pictures that do not get me sympathy! Phoenix AZ

are off on yet “another trip” your fellow pleasure traveling friends and family jokingly tease you for your hard job requirements, and oh if only they could travel for work, life would be so exciting!  Exciting you repeat to yourself as you negotiate airport food courts, mediocre hotels restaurants and yet another “salad bar” while trying to maintain a semblance of health during your working day.

One of my adults  with me on a road trip to Joshua Tree National Forest! Route 66

So what is the answer?  During the past twenty years (yikes I don’t like the sound of that) my travel requirements have increased. Now most of this is my own fault, but during the early years of our business I was raising small children and the thought of being away even more from them was out of the question for me, so I strive to limit my business  travel to essential needs only.  Now that I am a proud owner of two adults (just kidding, but seriously your children are your best investment and more expensive than a mortgage) My husband and I have not only agreed to more business travel, but have thrown in much need pleasure travel in the mix.  I’ve included some of our fun highlights from the past couple of years, at the end of this post.

So what are my go to musts for healthy travel?  Here is my list feel free to reply with your tips

  1. Plan ahead. I always look to see if I can possible find a room with a small kitchenette, now this used to be almost impossible, but now days with Airbnb, and Homeaway, rarely do I have to settle for being cooped up in a blah hotel room with restaurant food being my only choice.
  2. For example in October I attended the Supplyside West Expo in Las
    Natural Products Expo Anaheim CA

    Vegas, now if Vegas is a first for you go ahead and get that neon sign flashing, casino real feeling hotel room with 24 hour everything! But if this isn’t your first rodeo in Vegas then opt for an off strip Airbnb, or studio apartment like I did. Taxi ride to the convention center was 5 minutes, I couldn’t walk from my hotel room to the convention floor in that short of time, plus I avoided all the smoke-filled casino floors during my commute!

  3. Next be savvy and look up online grocery stores before you go, it only takes a few minutes to open an account with Von’s, or Safeway, or any number of the grocery delivery places and presto food delivered to your new home away from home. Sure I still eat out but now it’s a treat! And not to mention if you are a water freak like me those water bottles on the convention floors cost 8 dollars! Bring your own and soak up the hydration and save your money for that glass of wine later.
  4. Next, plan ahead for triggers. You know what I mean, if you are on a strict gluten free diet and you are traveling chances are you are going to get accidently #glutened, or maybe you deal with inflammation from dairy, proteins, or other dietary triggers.  What can you do besides eschewing all forms of social eating and drinking? Well here is my tried and true list of products that I keep in my travel rescue pack:
  • General inflammation – Priority Zyme ( I take two to four on an empty stomach daily while traveling)
  • Gluten Exposure- Gluten Resolve taken two ways take three capsules within 30 minutes of eating anywhere you may be accidently exposed to gluten, or if you’ve been #glutened immediately take three capsules with a full glass of water. ( I see discomfort start to diminish within 15-20 minutes) I also call this product “The social life safer”
  • Indigestion – Hypo Gest This is our strongest digestive aid with two phase breakdown built in. The enzymes are released in PH sensitive phases to digest both in the stomach and the lower intestine for quick relief.  (If you are vegetarian I suggest Gastri-Gest it is an amazing fungal based enzyme for digestive aid.
  • B-12 Rapid Shot – Now this is my secret weapon for travel, it works so much better than coffee, or those terrible energy drinks. One or two of these delicious chewable tablets gives me pep for the rest of a show or late meeting.
  • And on the other side, REM if you have ever had to deal with jet lag this little number helps tremendously! Or even if you just don’t sleep well in a different bed, it really helps.
  • Bio-Vegetarian– Last but NEVER least! Germs Germs Germs! How many times have you been perfectly fine then the day after a plane ride your throat is scratchy, your nose is running and your afraid your trip is now in danger? Bio Vegetarian before and during travel will boost that immune system and stave off those unwanted symptoms!

I really mean make a rescue pack and have it ready for your carry on.  I use a travel makeup bag with a zipper.  I also include ibuprofen, band aids, natural eye drops, lip balm, and a  couple of  black tea bags, (to use on your eyes when puffy) Just restock when you get home.

The bottom line is you can be healthy when you travel, if you are traveling for pleasure your rescue bag can be packed and unpacked as needed, but take a few moments and plan ahead, it will make that next trip so much more enjoyable!  Since travel is a huge area of interest I will be updating you again on other tips I’ve found that help keep me on track even when I’m off the beaten path, until next time…..

Good Health to You!

Danielle Baumgart, President

Danielle S. Baumgart, President

 

 

 

 

Highlights as promised!

Ice Pemberton Ice Fields B.C Canada
Beijing, China Great Wall and new friends!
Yes we hiked all the way to the top!
Speaking on dietary supplement testing and GMP regulations for foreign suppliers importing the United States.
JASIS Show in Tokyo, Japan
Biking off road through Washington State (WBDR)
Husband and I on the Sea to Ski Gondola in Squamish B.C Canada