10 Tips for Eating Keto on Vacation
If the idea of eating keto on vacation seems overwhelming to you, keep reading. While it may seem a bit daunting to venture away from your normal home routine, let me assure you that with a little planning, you can be successful even on vacation. Here are 10+ tips to help you stay keto on your next vacation:
10 Tips for Eating Keto on Vacation:
- Decide ahead of time that you will pursue keto foods. When you go into a vacation with a mindset that you will stay keto, you’re already well on your way to success. Think about all the places you plan to go. Visualize what temptations you will face and come up with a plan of action. Maybe this means you avoid walking by the churros stand. Perhaps it means asking the waiter to take the basket of bread from the table at the restaurant. Think of things that you can do to avoid temptation.
- Be mindful of your choices. If you decide you really want to indulge in a non-keto treat, do so with full understanding of how that will effect you. You might gain weight, you might reverse cravings that you had eliminated, you might get a headache. Weigh these things, then decide if it’s worth it. It’s okay to enjoy splurges once in a while, but try to make the smartest choices about what those splurges are.
- Have a plan. Educate yourself before you leave on your vacation. A simple Google search can tell you valuable information about what is available in the area you will be traveling. Google restaurants and look at the menus ahead of time so you can go in knowing which meals will be best suited for you. Check out nutrition information on things as basic as salad dressing. A lot of hidden sugars can be found in dressings and sauces. You can also find good keto hacks on Pinterest.
- Pack lots of snacks. Allocate space in your luggage and or carry-on bags for snacks. Not just a couple to get you through your flight, but as many snacks as you can fit for the length of time you will be away. Protein bars and nuts are very compact and take up minimal space in a suitcase. Consequently, by bringing your snacks with you, this will be one less thing you need to shop for later. TIP: The space you create from eating all your snacks will be just what you need to bring home your souvenirs!
- Meal Prep. Depending on your mode of travel, consider making some meals ahead of time and pack them in a cooler. This is easy to do if you are traveling by car, slightly trickier, but not impossible, if traveling by plane.
- Make your own meals. Preparing your own food gives you more control over what’s going into your body. Many hotels offer a shuttle to nearby grocery stores. Take advantage of this service to pick up some fresh produce and other non perishable snacks. If your accommodations include a full kitchen you are well on your way to creating foods you know will be keto compliant. This option also saves you money when traveling. On the other hand, if you don’t have a full kitchen, odds are you will at least have a mini fridge and a microwave. Utilize what you have available.
- Intermittent fasting. If you normally practice IF at home, go ahead and skip breakfast. Enjoy a nice cup of coffee first thing. If you love your eggs and bacon, have them for your lunch meal. When you are keto adapted, you won’t feel as hungry anyway.
- Minimize the damage. If you want to experience a treat on vacation chose something that will have minimal consequences. Try sharing a dessert or just have a small taste instead of eating the entire treat. One or two bites of a something sweet can be completely satisfying and you won’t feel like you are missing out.
- Get back on track right away. If you chose to enjoy a splurge, get back on track the very next meal. Don’t convince yourself that you’ve already messed up and continue to eat non keto meals the rest of the vacation.
- Stay Hydrated. This is true whether you’re on vacation or not, however it’s easy to forget about drinking enough water when you are out having fun all day. Staying hydrated will not only keep you feeling full longer, but it will also insure that you are giving your body adequate fluids to keep you functioning at your best. Likewise, if your plans include lots of walking or hiking on your trip, you might consider bringing along some electrolytes to replenish your body before, during or after your activities. You can find single serve electrolyte packets at Natural Grocer. However, if you don’t have one in your area, you can use this link to order online. Electrolyte powder also comes in a larger container with a scoop if you would rather not use single serve packs. Just drop into your reuseable water bottle, fill with water and shake well.
More Ideas for Eating Keto on Vacation
I have included a full review of my all-time favorite keto “convenience” snacks in another post. You can read my “Easy Keto Snacks on the Go” article HERE. In addition, you can also click on the links below to purchase directly from Amazon.
CHEESE WHISPS | PICKLE BITES | BEEF JERKY |QUEST CHIPS | KETO COOKIES
GUM | QUEST BARS | BABYBEL CHEESE | SEAWEED | SALAME
QUEST CHIPS | PILI NUTS | ALMONDS | LILY’S | CHOCOPERFECTION
HERE you will find many helpful tips and suggestions for ordering keto compliant restaurant meals.
Discover ways you can plan ahead to make easy keto meals for your travel days as well as simple keto meal suggestions for utilizing your hotel kitchen. Read my post HERE.
**Disclaimer: I have included product links in this article to make the keto products easier for you to track down. By using these links, I receive a small commission on your purchase. There is no additional cost to you, but it’s an easy way to support my blog and my family. Thank you so much!