4 flights, 3 states, 4,990 total miles, 3 days. To call last week exhausting would be an understatement.
Travel is hard, and even when you’re not hopping all over the country, and hitting your macros when you’re restricted to airport newsstands and fast food joints makes it even worse. Over the years, I’ve found a few ways to get in extra protein without going over on fats and carbs. This becomes even more important during the holidays, when cookies are everywhere and that Starbucks Peppermint Mocha sounds so tempting!
1. Skim milk. Yes, I get strange looks when I ask for it at a McDonald’s or am drinking a bottle waiting on my flight but it works! At about 20c per 14p, it’s not the best ratios, but it’s always accessible.
2. Ready-to-drink shakes. Hudson News shops and other small grab-and-go places often carry MuscleMilk or Core Power shakes. Check the carbs to make sure they’re not too high (Core Power can have up to 30 per bottle, versus 9 for Muscle Milk). And make sure you grab something to combat that after taste!
3. Grab-and-go snacks. You can find some gems in the food sections of most newsstands and snack bars. Search for hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese sticks (if you have extra fats), and jerky (as a last resort – the sodium can catch up on you in flight!).
4. Plan ahead for other healthy options. Research the airports you’ll be traveling through. While Wendy’s is my forever favorite (look up the macros on their chili and you’ll see why), you can also get a protein-packed salad at any burrito place (use salsa for dressing) or a grilled chicken sandwich (hold the bun. Just because it comes wrapped in 45 carbs doesn’t mean you have to eat them!).
5. Bring an emergency stash. In a pinch, a packet of tuna or a protein bar will get you through. See the full rundown of the food I always carry with me here.
Other suggestions on how to Health Up holiday (or everyday) travel? I’d love to hear them!
This post was sponsored by Designer Protein as part of their Health Up Your Holidays campaign. Read my other HealthUpYourHolidays posts or search #HealthUpYourHolidays on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on healthy living this holiday season!