How Not to Get Sick |Travel Well This Holiday

Order this not that at Starbucks

Instead of your Carmel Mocha Latte >>> Matcha latte with almond milk and stevia

You’ll get a natural boost of energy without the sugar, that doesn’t leave you wired and reduce your risk of cancer.

Instead of your Smoothie (sugar and sugar with dairy-based whey) >>> Oatmeal (without brown sugar and raisins) and stir in your own protein shake mix (carry 2 baggies of serving size in your purse). There’s no excuse not to have a good choice. It’s hardly an inconvenience and security will allow it.

Pick up this not that at the News Stand

Instead of salted roasted nuts>>>raw almonds

You’re avoiding types of oils you want to avoid or at least controversial. You’re getting an unprocessed version.

Instead of the yogurt fruit parfait or fruit cup >>> hummus and veggies

You’re replacing sugar and very little protein with a slight about equal protein and fat and fiber that will keep you full longer. If you’re choosing between fruit and veggies, choose veggies. If you do enjoy yogurt (you’ve tested and tolerate it) you want plain to avoid sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Instead of depending on what’s at the airport to fit your goals>>>bring your food in 3 oz containers and an insulated bag (if you’re serious about your health you will). Especially if you’re a frequent flyer being prepared is a must.

Pretend You Missed It

Instead of camping at the gate waiting >>> find & confirm your gate then walk for 10 minutes as if you were late for your flight and it was boarding (we’ve all done it, right?)

Instead of grabbing a chair when you do arrive at the gate, stand or sit on the floor and do some stretching. Yes, they’ll stare potentially. Make it worth it. In reality, they’re going to be thinking, wow, I bet that feels great. I wish I were that confident!

The big message here is to travel well, allow yourself extra time so you’re not stress, it’s only to pretend that you’re late!

Consistent Not More

It’s the overzealous ones among us who get sick. Travel well by doing your more moderate exercise plan. Whether that’s doing less overall but still consistent, like ditching the gym workouts and including walking, site-seeing, skiing, or golf, or it’s just relaxing about your usual routine, it will leave you revived not stressed. And that’s buffing up your immune system. Adding extra travel, change in time zones, family tensions, emotional highs and lows to the normal expectations can leave you tapped.

Less exercise can often be more hormone balancing. Just stay consistent and appreciate the reason you exercise. Is it really because you have a problem with anxiety or it helps you avoid something else in your life? Or is it to enhance your life? If it’s the latter (and I hope it is), this is life. Enjoy your life during the holiday by stick with it in the modified way that helps you most enjoy the people and experiences in it.

Hydrate

Buy a bottle of water AND ask for water on the plane. Drink a cup before take off. Drink a cup an hour while you’re in flight. Finish the water when you get off the plane while you’re standing at baggage claim. (Certain airports that give you more than enough time to do this shall rename anonymous).

Yes, this will increase the need to use the bathroom on the plane. This is not a tragedy. This is a good thing. If you don’t, you’re probably cranky or dehydrated. Travel well by making this the way you do things, always.

The more you travel the more you want to make it consistent with what you do at home. Treat yourself well everywhere.

Go Ahead and Check It

If staying consistent and feeling good means you need room for the swim suit and goggles, or the running shoes and sweats, or the yoga mat, and that overnight bag that fits everything else don’t allow it, check the bag. The extra fee is worth feeling good as oppose to a percentage of yourself isn’t it? Shouldn’t it be essential to feel good? Like a toothbrush essential?

Bring It

Essentials in my travel kit are items for gut health, an eye mask, and things I add to my coffee in the morning. There’s no way I’d use one of those non-dairy creamers or little yellow or pink packets of cancer sitting in the room waiting for me. If I were sleeping at someone else’s house, I’d add ear plugs. In a hotel, I’ll use the fan as white noise to get a great night sleep. Be ready for anything and you’ll travel well so you enjoy it there and arrive home rested too. If you know your sleep needs, you know how important it is to your hormone balance that you get it! And yes, if you’re saying I wish I could.. there are half a dozen steps to take to improve sleep, none of which require medication.

For more on gut health while traveling don’t miss this round up of seven expert friends who shared their tips.

Think Travel Well Thoughts

If you’re thinking that because you sit next to someone with the sniffles or a cough you’re going to get sick you will. If you have a strong immune system from getting the appropriate amount of sleep, exercise, and you’re hydrated, you don’t have to get sick because you’re exposed.

Of two-dozen trainers I used to supervise, I had two or three trainers who were frequently sick. They also happened to be the ones more strung out and stressed or the ones who liked to both exercise hard and party hard. The problem wasn’t exposure to a greater number of people including sick clients.

Travel well by being well at home and you’ll have a buff immune system before you board.

For extra insurance you can begin boosting with a little higher dose of Vitamin C before you board. It’s a travel well tip my friend Dr. Robyn Benson gave in a Flipping 50 podcast. 

Get back on track! Identify the foods you love and love you at home so you can travel well too! Understand how to fit exercise into 10 or 20 minutes if that’s all you have! The best choice is to kick off your month with the 28 Day Kickstart.