If you're thinking about setting off on a Round the World trip, eating well while you're on the road can really help you get the most out of your adventure. Here are a few handy tips about eating healthily on a Round the World trip.
We all go through stages of eating the wrong things. But, when you’re off to explore the planet on a round the world trip, it’s particularly easy to get into bad habits.
Rather than take time over choosing food and drinks wisely when you're travelling around the world – or the vendors, for that matter – it’s not unknown for travellers to grab something at the first available opportunity. Sometimes this isn’t the best policy. Firstly, you need energy during your round the world trip, and a quick pizza doesn’t necessarily offer what your body’s looking for. Secondly, when you’re not sure about food storage or catering standards, you need to be careful you’re not putting your health at risk. Getting ill during your round the world trip can really ruin your whole experience.
Here are a few thoughts you might want to bear in mind during your round the world trip. We’re not saying you shouldn’t try new things, as that’s what travelling’s all about. But, it’s worth thinking before you buy.
Starting the day well
The regular English breakfast is not the worst thing you can eat, actually. When you’ve got chance to get some good breakfast though, try not to eat overly fatty meals like danish pastries or doughnuts – they can drain your energy. Cereals, fruit and protein (e.g. eggs) are good to start the day on. Set out with a plan to eat healthily as you travel around the world and you're far more likely to stay fit and happy.
Small and regular portions
The old saying about eating small portions at regular intervals holds true. Your body needs energy every four or five hours, so six small snacks (of the right thing) every day during your round the world trip is not over-the-top, believe it or not.
Drinks
Bottled water is a must when you’re in some countries as you travel around the world – we’d recommend drinking it wherever you are rather than taking the risk. Have a bottle on you at all times if you can. Your body needs it. Check that the seal has not been broken before buying bottled water.
Drinks in cans or carbonated ones are usually OK, as too are drinks that are made with boiled water. Remember, ice may be a risk unless you are sure it’s been made with water that has already been boiled. So too is ice cream if you’re not 100 per cent about its source.
Tea and coffee is fine, and if you can drink it black that means you don’t have to risk the milk as you travel around the world.
Cooked versus raw
Like boiling water, cooking food kills bacteria. Always eat food which is still hot (not just warm), and try to avoid uncooked vegetables and salads whenever possible during your round the world trip. You always take a risk when eating raw foods, especially raw or rare meat and non-cooked seafood or shellfish.
Milk and cheese
Not all milk and cheese you’ll find abroad will be pasteurised. Read the labels carefully to make sure.
On the side
Condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup and salad dressings are best eaten if they come in packages.
Fruit and nut
Peeling fruit can give you peace-of-mind if you’re worried about its cleanliness. Eating nuts and seeds are great for keeping energy levels up as you travel around the world
‘Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it’ is not a bad mantra to travel by.
Diet supplements
If you’re into your supplements, antioxidants are pretty good for travelling around the world. The best ones are vitamins C and E, selenium and beta-carotene.
Consult the book
Looking for recommendations in your guide book is not a bad ploy when it comes to eating well on your round the world trip. A good-value meal doesn’t necessarily mean you have to risk life-and-limb in the process. And remember, if you find somewhere you like you can always ask where else the staff recommend.
Or ask the locals. A great sign of a good foodplace is if it is full of people who live in the area.
Finishing the day on a light note
It’s better to eat your bigger meals as early as possible in the day. Your body slows down towards the end of the afternoon, and so it burns less calories. Lighter meals (incorporating white meat or fish) are a good idea.Got you thinking? Start planning your own Round the World trip.
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