As someone who thrives on routine and was once tied to a 9-to-5 job, adjusting to a traveling lifestyle wasn’t exactly easy. I had a predictable schedule—waking up, sipping my coffee, getting in a workout, getting ready for the day—just like so many others.
So naturally, I found myself wondering: How do I stay healthy, keep active, and still enjoy my travels? Because let’s be real—half the joy of traveling is experiencing the local cuisine.
I quickly realized I had two options: I could either accept that I’d gain weight and lose my fitness, or I could figure out a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still indulging in new foods.
One of the best tips I can share?
Walk everywhere. Exploring Europe on foot made all the difference—not just in staying active, but in how much we were able to see and experience. Walking is such a simple yet effective way to stay moving, and as we get older and high-intensity cardio gets tougher, it becomes even more valuable.
Another easy habit? Take the stairs. While staying on the fifth floor of an apartment in Madeira, Portugal, we made it a point to use the stairs every single time. It helped keep us active, and honestly, the tiny, slightly terrifying elevator that shook every time it stopped made the decision even easier!
These small changes—literally just putting one foot in front of the other—can make a huge impact on your overall well-being.
To stay on top of my workouts, I packed a resistance band and smaller bands, making it easy to fit in some movement no matter where we were. I also got into the habit of doing squats or holding a wall sit while brushing my teeth, squeezing in as many push-ups as I could, and just making sure I was keeping my muscles engaged. These little moments add up and help me stay fit even when life gets hectic.
Now, when it comes to food, I’ll admit—I tend to have an all-or-nothing mindset at home. I like eating clean, and during COVID, it was much easier to stick to that lifestyle since socializing was off the table. With no restaurants tempting me, I could fully commit to preparing my own healthy meals.
But here’s the thing: That approach isn’t sustainable. I’ve always believed that extreme diets set you up for failure, and my own experience proves it—strict rules tend to lead to binge eating the moment you “slip up.”
What I’ve learned through traveling is that true balance is key.
One of our favorite strategies is sharing meals. In Hawaii, we went on a mission to find the best fish tacos, stopping at different food trucks and splitting one taco at each place. It was the perfect way to taste a variety of flavors without overdoing it. Sharing meals is a game-changer—not only does it help with portion control, but it also saves money. Win-win!
In Portugal, we lucked out with hotel stays that included breakfast. We’d fill up in the morning, have a light snack midday, and then enjoy a nice dinner in the evening. It was the perfect rhythm for staying energized without feeling overstuffed.
Another great tip? Eat mindfully. Take your time, savor each bite, and ask yourself if what you’re eating is truly worth it. Sometimes, when we’re snacking in front of the TV or mindlessly munching while chatting with friends, we stop tasting our food after the first few bites. So, check in with yourself—are you eating because you’re actually hungry, or just because it’s there?
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Nourish your body with plenty of protein, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats, but don’t demonize carbs—they fuel you! Just enjoy them in moderation.
And yes, dessert is absolutely allowed. Share it, savor it, and don’t feel guilty about indulging in something sweet. Life is too short to skip out on the little joys!
Take a moment to truly appreciate the look, aroma, and taste of your food.
Bon appétit!
