For the past few months, I’ve been planning a long overdue vacation to the Caribbean to celebrate a best friend’s wedding in Jamaica and a few weeks of the “island life” at my sister’s house in the Virgin Islands. Hesitant to leave home and work behind, Springer kindly reminded me that “recharging” is all apart of the plan to Eat Life Whole. (See we all need a bit of health coaching once in awhile.)

As I was packing my bags, I knew that my typical healthy food choices would be limited – so I saved a few extra pockets in my luggage for a travel-size natural foods pantry to hold me over during long layovers and flights.

Here are 6 Healthy Packables:

1. Dark Chocolate – I love my Alter Eco 85% dark chocolate. It’s smooth and satisfies my sweet cravings. It also is a healthy, sweet treat that won’t derail me from my goals to reduce my sugar intake on the road. (By the way – it’s also fair trade chocolate, which means the farmers, traders, and environment are ethically compensated and cared for.)
2. Raw Walnuts – To satisfy my crunchy cravings, I packed a mini bag of walnuts. They are filled with good fats, easy to carry, and will tide me over until I reach my destination.
3. Coconut Oil (and Q-tips) – Mostly used for cooking, this oil is also great for removing makeup and moistening skin (like dry heels from too much beach time). I use it like lotion and even keep a tiny jar in my home bathroom.
4. Tea (and a Tea Infuser) – I enjoy my morning tea (green tea and mixed herbs). I save $2-5 dollars on the road by packing a small bag of leaves with a tea infuser. It’s great because I can continue to drink high quality teas and detox my system every morning.
5. Chia Seeds – Knowing that I’d be in hot weather at my sister’s house (with a blender) and lots of tropical fruit, I thought it would be a great idea to make fresh smoothies. Chia seeds are known for hydrating the body once soaked in liquids and are also filled with Omega 3 fats (a healthy fat that we don’t often get enough of). Simply add a tablespoon or two to any drink and enjoy.
6. Nori (aka Seawead) – Greens are an important part of the Eat Life Whole way of eating, however accessibility of greens on the road may not be there when you need it. I packed a few sheets of raw nori for a light snack and extra vitamins until I could enjoy a big bowl of leafy green something.

Staying on track with your health goals while vacationing may not be as easy as your “home routine,” but it is possible. Pack a few snacks for the plane, a pair of tennis shoes (for walking, jogging, or make-shift exercises), and a water bottle, and you’ll be all set to recharge and enjoy the sites.

Top 6 tips I use to stay on-track:

1. Try to eat greens with every meal (look for salads or local greens).
2. Move everyday (swim, walk, cycle, etc.).
3. Drink water (in-between your frozen alcohol treats).
4. Reduce, limit, or completely shut-off from the digital world as much as you can (phone included).
5. Cook whenever you can (enjoy local ingredients and throw together SIMPLE snacks and meals). This will help save money and the extra sugars and fats that may slow you down.
6. Keep your sugar intake low (mixed drinks included).

Stay tuned for more healthy posts inspired by my trips to the beautiful islands of Jamaica and St. John.

Eat life whole…wherever you may go.

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