Share

Stay healthy away from home

For many businessmen and women, travelling means packing a suitcase, arriving at the airport and waiting for their next flight.

They don’t consider a healthy diet and regular exercise routine an option during the times they’re away from home.

But travelling a lot can often lead to an inactive lifestyle fuelled only by foods sorely lacking in nutritional benefits, which can in turn lead to a host of health- related concerns. aside from the obvious weight related issues.

The solution - LJust like many other situations, the solutionit comes down to planning and making the right choices in the moment. Here’sIn this article I’m going to give you a basic 5-step guide to healthy travelling:.

Step #1: Pack your own snacks

If you prepare small meals or snacks in advance and choose the healthier options while in the terminal, you’ll have taken your first big step towards living that healthier, happier and more energetic lifestyle you deserve.

Temptations like crisps and processed sandwiches in the airport terminal are empty calories and will leave you hungry and spike your insulin levels, which in -turn will lead to store excess fat storage. Instead, pre-pack some nuts, celery sticks, peppers, and protein bars in your carry bag. This way, when you're stuck between flights or feel a snack attack coming on, you have a healthy fix at hand.

Step #2: Set your standards higher

Be fussy when it comes to buying food in an airport. There are plenty of sit-down restaurants around where you can get clean- grilled chicken breast, fish, fresh salads and baked potatoes. Ask for any sauces to be placed on the side and use extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on salads instead of salad dressings.

Step #3: Get the most out of your down time

Instead of sitting around, waiting for your flight announcement, take walks around the airport. Walking will increase your blood circulation and keep you fit and energiszed while you wait for your flight.

Step #4: Drink more water

Your body is made up of 70% water. So the importance of drinking plenty of liquids goes beyond the obvious benefits of staying hydrated. It’s all about pushing more water into your muscle cells. BeMake sure to drink lots of water while travelling to avoid dehydration and keep you feeling alert. Water will also help to avoid sugar cravings.

Step #5: Keep your body moving

To avoid back- ache and general airplane nausea, take short walks up and down the aisles of the plane, maintaining a healthy blood flow around your body. Do some light stretching and focus on proper posture while seated. Roll your neck clockwise and then counter-clockwise. All of this keeps you from being sedentary for the duration of your flight.

- Ariel Navarro (exercise specialist), November 2011

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE