It’s important to maintain a healthy diet while travelling by ensuring you continue to eat vegetables. But depending on where you’re travelling, and the type of travel you’re doing this can be easier said than done.
Order vegetables at restaurants
One of the easiest ways to find vegetables to eat while travelling is to order them when dining out. While it can be tempting to go for the garden salad instead, most restaurants offer a side of vegetables but it’s wise to check the menu before booking.
If you haven’t been able to find vegetables in some time then it may be worth purchasing multiple sides of vegetables in the one meal. You might get some funny looks, but it’s a great way to ensure you’re still having enough vegetables in your diet to remain healthy.
Also consider the type of food you’re having. For example, keep an eye out for particular foods like soups as they typically contain more vegetables than other meal types.
You can also use an app on your smartphone like HappyCow to find local vegan and vegetarian options near you.
When browsing for restaurants with vegetable sides, prefer those that detail what vegetables you can expect on their menu. In general, it’s best to avoid those that use vague phrases like “garden greens” as it leaves the door ajar to a subpar selection of vegetables.
Supermarket runs
Probably the easiest way to find vegetables while travelling is to buy them in a local supermarket or green grocer. Just like a local, you’ll be able to find a selection of fruit and vegetables and can take them back to your room to make anything from salads to soups, sandwiches or desserts.
Often supermarkets will have pre-packaged and prepared fruit and vegetables available for purchase near the front of the store. But if not, you can usually find staples such as carrots, cucumbers and beetroot that can be easily prepared and snacked upon.
If relying on a supermarket, consider bringing some cutlery, cutting board, plate and a peeler so you can prepare a basic dish in your hotel room. This might be a little tricky if you’re only flying with carry-on luggage.
Stay in a place with a kitchenette
If you’re flying with carry-on luggage only or you’re happy to prepare meals yourself, consider staying in a hotel, service apartment or Airbnb with a kitchenette.
Having a kitchenette means going to the local supermarket to get vegetables becomes a much more enticing proposition, as you’ll have the correct tools and utensils to prepare a healthy, hearty meal.
While rooms with a kitchenette will likely cost you more than a standard room, take into consideration the savings in your pocket by not having to eat out at restaurants for all your meals.
And if a supermarket or green grocer isn’t located nearby, consider using a service like Uber Eats grocery delivery or Amazon’s grocery delivery to have your items dropped off at your doorstep. If you’re not staying in an area serviced by the bigger brands, some local supermarkets might offer their own delivery service too.
Eat more fruit
While technically this one doesn’t count towards your vegetable intake, eating more fruit does still contribute to a healthy diet.
And in the case of travelling, fruit can usually be more readily available in cafes, convenience stores and airports. While you should still take every opportunity you can to eat vegetables, fruit is still a better option than eating junk food or other unhealthy food.
Apples, bananas, pears and grapes are all great options for those looking for healthy snacks.