You planned. You packed. You counted down and couldn’t be more excited about your vacay. The truth is, though you may plan on splurging your way through Mallorca or Tulum, a great trip depends on good gut health. There’s no getting around it.
Robyn Youkilis is an authority on intuitive gut health and we asked her to take us along on a recent trip to share her best gut health tips for travel. Here’s what Robyn packs, supplements and survives in the food desert that is the international airport terminal… 6 Gut Health Tips For Travel
bring your Routine. Stick with your non-negotiables as best you can! Whatever makes you feel your best in your regular life is just as essential when you are on vacay. Are you a morning journaler? Bring your notebook along! Is running something you know makes you feel your best? Don’t forget to pack your sneakers. I actually usually work out MORE on vacation because I have more free time.
Stock up on Hydration. Stay super hydrated before, during and after travel. Traveling, especially flying, is super dehydrating, so it’s especially important to drink up. Water, water and more water. Buy yourself a few big bottles right when you get to your destination and then keep your mini fridge stocked. Dehydration is the cause of so many issues: constipation, sluggish metabolism, low energy, headaches, irritability, sugar cravings, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps and fatigue… I definitely don’t want ANY of those making an appearance during my vacation if I can help it.
Pack Probiotics. Keep on-the-go probiotics in your travel bag. Probiotics are great for keeping digestion regular, especially when you’re on the move. It’s easy for things to get uncomfortable when traveling: You often have limited food options, it can be hard to remember to hydrate enough, sometimes you’re feeling stressed about getting where you’re going. In order to stay regular, once through security, opt for a drinkable probiotic, such as kombucha. If you’d rather something a little more solid, pop a yogurt into your carry-on after going through security.
Supplement Strategically. I encourage travelers to get creative with snack and beverage options when heading into the sky. Chia seeds, hot water with lemon, lots of water, chlorophyll tablets, and magnesium powder are always part of my travel kit. They help keep things moving down there and that ensures that I can feel my best wherever I am.
Plan your diet. When planning your travel diet, keep things simple. Opt for dark leafy greens (like this kale chips recipe) and fruits (like dried fruit). Pack a snack bag ahead of time to avoid airport and airplane food: you want to keep your distance from anything processed, sugary, or sodium-heavy. I’m known for packing up full meals for me and my hubby for travel days: cooked greens like kale, some leftover roasted veggies, a protein like salmon or tempeh, plus some healthy fat (avocado and raw goat’s cheddar are two favorites of ours). Just be mindful of keeping the aroma to a minimum as a courtesy!
Practice post-plane yoga. Be sure to stretch frequently. Staying limber is important for your ligaments and your muscles, but also for the movement within your stomach and gut, too. Consider getting a travel yoga mat to bring wherever you go.
Check out Robyn’s latest book, Thin From Within – The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight
