How To Get Your Greens On Vacation

Getting your greens while on vacation can be both enjoyable and beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet. Here are some tips to help you incorporate more vegetables into your meals while traveling:

Eating Out

1. Choose Restaurants Wisely: Opt for restaurants that offer a variety of vegetable-based dishes. Look for vegetarian or health-conscious eateries.
2. Salad Bars: Find local salad bars or delis where you can create your own salad with fresh greens and vegetables.
3. Order Side Salads: When dining out, ask for a side salad with your meal. Many places will be happy to accommodate this request.
4. Vegetable Sides: Choose vegetable sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or grilled asparagus instead of fries or other less healthy options.
5. Ethnic Cuisine: Explore cuisines known for their vegetable-rich dishes, such as Mediterranean, Indian, or Asian restaurants.

Grocery Shopping

1. Local Markets: Visit local farmers’ markets to find fresh, seasonal produce. This can also be a fun way to explore the local culture.
2. Grocery Stores: Stock up on pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables from grocery stores. These are convenient for quick snacks or meals.
3. Snack Packs: Buy ready-to-eat vegetable snack packs like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or celery sticks for easy munching on the go.

Preparing Your Own Meals

1. Hotel Amenities: If your accommodation has a kitchenette, prepare simple meals like salads or stir-fries with fresh vegetables.
2. Portable Tools: Bring a small, portable blender to make green smoothies using spinach, kale, or other leafy greens.
3. Picnic: Plan a picnic with a variety of vegetable-based dishes like salads, veggie wraps, or crudités with hummus.

Smart Choices

1. Smoothies and Juices: Look for smoothie or juice bars that offer green smoothies made with spinach, kale, cucumber, and other veggies.
2. Soups: Opt for vegetable-based soups, which are often packed with nutrients.
3. Wraps and Sandwiches: Choose wraps or sandwiches loaded with vegetables. Many places offer veggie wraps or sandwiches with lots of greens.
4. Vegetable Snacks: Carry vegetable-based snacks like kale chips or roasted chickpeas for a healthy, on-the-go option.

Supplements

1. Greens Powders: Pack a greens powder supplement that you can easily mix with water or juice to ensure you’re getting a daily dose of greens.
2. Green Capsules: Consider taking green vegetable capsules if you find it hard to get fresh vegetables regularly.

Mindful Eating

1. Balance: Make an effort to balance each meal with a portion of vegetables. This could mean adding a side salad or choosing dishes that incorporate greens.
2. Be Adventurous: Try new vegetables that you may not be familiar with. Exploring local produce can be an exciting part of your travel experience.

By incorporating these strategies, you can enjoy your vacation while still getting plenty of greens to keep you feeling healthy and energized.