It can be quite challenging to follow a healthy diet while traveling, but you can make it easier if you make smart decisions and do not make traveling an excuse for unhealthy habits. Before you head off on your next trip, consider the following.

- Plan Ahead. It's not always possible to find fresh and healthy options on the go. If you're pressed on time there are a few packaged or homemade foods to take with you: granola bars (Luna, Kashi, Odwalla, KIND), yogurt, nut and fruit trail mix, coconut pieces, home-made sandwiches, or dried fruit (banana chips, mangoes, or cranberries).

- Keep an eye on portion sizes. Your hands can be a great tool to estimate portion sizes while on the go. For instance, a meat portion should never be bigger than the size of your palm, a serving of pasta should be around the size of your fist, and a portion of cheese should be proportionate to the size of your thumb.

- Know Your Destination. If you are going abroad, get a sense for the local cuisine and how it will fit your meal plan. Knowing which type of foods you may be eating will help you make better dietary choices. Make a note of which fruits, vegetables, starchy vegetables, and proteins are a part of the culture you are visiting.

The better you feel while traveling, the more you will enjoy your trip!

Considerations for Traveling by Air:

1) Try to avoid buying food at the airport. Not only is the food extremely expensive and often poorly made, airport food can cost you precious calories and cash.

2) Bring an empty bottle of water. The TSA will confiscate full water bottles, but not empty ones. Slip one into your bag, and fill it using the airport tap. It’s important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially on flights.

3) Carry snacks. Packing your own snacks will save you money, satisfy your cravings, and keep your calorie count down. Easy carry on snacks are trailmix, yogurt, granola bars, sesame sticks, edamame (pre-cooked), cereal.