Burgers, hot dogs, and junk food.
There are classic summer foods, but they’re not so good for our bodies. For the last few years, my relationship with food and physical nourishment has been my primary link to green living. What am I eating this week that will make me feel clean? Am I eating something that’s full of sodium? These body-nurturing tips can travel with you anywhere, no matter where in the world you’re traveling. Whether on vacation or staycation, these tips will help you feel full and nourished.
Water
My biggest health and travel wake up call had to do with adding more water to my diet. Several years ago, I barely drank water; instead, I’d load up on one diet soda after another, relying on them to quench my thirst. When I traveled it was easy and fun to grab a soda can. This was in 2003. Eventually, I slowly increased the amount of water I drank each day. For summer travelers, water is the most effective way of staying hydrated. The best thing about water is that its available everywhere – so there’s no excuse not to guzzle it like a fish. Whether you’re drinking it from a stainless steel water bottle or from a soon-to-be-recycled plastic bottle, water is the way to go.
Sliced Veggies on Staycation
Refrigerated sliced cucumber in a plastic bag is a refreshing snack. This one’s great for sweltering summer days at home when you just want to stand in front of the open freezer. Cucumbers are soothing and so good for you, they will almost make you forget that it’s almost 90 degrees in the shade.
Nuts on the Plane
I have learned never to underestimate the power of walnuts or almonds to stabilize my system and help me feel less hungry. The trick is to avoid airplane nuts that are usually overly salted, as too much sodium can cause you to feel bloated and dehydrated. Natural, plain nuts are a must-have during summer trips.
Be Kind on the Train
On one of my most recent train trips, I forgot snack bars and was forced to peruse the snack counter looking for healthy treats. The train’s only available healthy choices were a very limp garden burger and an apple that had seen better days. I resolved to bring my own snack bars next time, but when I went looking for snack bars, I found that several were loaded with animal fats and sugars. Ugh. Avoid those bars and go for bars that are all natural and free of hydrogenated oils or sodium, such as these Kind Plus bars, the latest from the Kind bar line. As with all snack foods, check to see if you can pronounce the ingredients. If you don’t see unpronounceable, four and five syllable words, but instead see words that you know (nuts, berries, etc), chances are you’re on the right track.
