By Elissa Goodman
Every mom I know has a vacation horror story…sick kid on the plane, a little one that either can’t go or can’t stop going, the whole family that ended up with food poisoning. In my own experience, I have one child who was born to travel and another child that gets very thrown off by the change in routine.
It’s a balancing act every time we hit the road.
The combination of stress, exposure to travel germs, changing routines, and nutritional challenges take a toll on the health of the whole family. Along the way of managing my own travel schedule and bringing the kids along, I’ve picked up a few tips that make the process a little less stressful.
1. Take a travel safe probiotic every day and get the family on board with taking one too. Travel has an uncanny way of throwing off your body function and can result in digestive issues, constipation, and general discomfort. I highly recommend a daily probiotic for optimal gut health every day, but when you are traveling they are extra important. Load up before, during and after your trip. Probiotics insure that your immunity is in tip-top shape so no matter how many times the person on the plane next to you sneezes, you will remain healthy.
A minimum 50 B probiotic will help keep you regular, keep your digestive system operating smoothly, and will help keep your gut in check. Give everyone their dosage before bed.
Recommended: Dr. Ohhira’s Professional Strength Probiotic or Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic (tasteless and great for kids). These are travel friendly picks, because they don’t need to be refrigerated. http://drohhiraprobiotics.com http://www.renewlife.com/probiotic-supplements.html
2. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder (adults) & Ultima Toddler Formula (Ages 1-4) http://www.ultimareplenisher.com If your travel plans include a plane, train, or airplane chances are staying hydrated might be on your mind. Take flying for example, the low humidity in airplane cabins helps to create a “clean” environment, but that low humidity can quickly lead to dehydration. Moisture evaporates from the body and this can make you more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Even a short flight can deplete you and leave you feeling exhausted or less than your best. Land hydrated and happy, replace electrolytes and hydrate with Ultima Replenisher. I ask for a water and add a packet during every flight.
A travel bonus: they make these in handy go-packs that you can place in your purse. It’s sweetened with a touch of stevia and contains no weird artificial sweeteners.
3. Green Dream Greens Powder (mini bullet/travel blender) https://www.thephilosophie.com/products/green-dream-8oz I’m all about splurging on vacation, my belief is, if you’re somewhere with incredible croissants/cheese/cakes/pizza or anything similar, you should have and enjoy it. Vacations are not a place for guilt! With that said, if you eat clean most of the year like I do, sometimes eating all that stuff can really wreck with your system. I like that I can mix this greens powder into nut milk or water and get a dose of greens each day as a gentle reminder to my system that I haven’t forgotten about vegetables and to make sure I’m nourished with nutrients while enjoying the other treats. Your energy levels will skyrocket and your body will thank you for keeping things regular. Bring along a mini travel blender (like the mini-bullet) and start each day with a simple green smoothie for yourself and the rest of the family. It’s a guaranteed way to start the day off on the right foot and provide an energy boost for the adventures ahead.
4. Natural Calm Powder (magnesium) https://naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/ Magnesium is a product that has truly changed my clients’ lives when they’re on the road. It’s a natural stress reliever, and will ease and anxieties about traveling or being away from home. It also helps with bloating, so if you’re feeling kind of puffy after your flight but need to put that bikini on, it’s a lifesaver. On top of all that, it helps promote restful sleep so if you are one of those people who has trouble sleeping in any bed but your own, magnesium before bed will help you relax and catch the Zzz’s you need to face the next day of adventure. A packet before bed will also help the kids sleep soundly and recover from busy days.
A travel bonus: I keep their travel packets in my travel bag.
5. Healthy Protein Bars (Tosi, Yes, Elemental, or homemade)
https://www.theyesbar.com
http://www.elemental-raw.com
https://elissagoodman.com/snacks/classic-glo-bars/
Just because you’re on the road, doesn’t mean you have to eat roadie food! I can’t go anywhere without a travel snack, this helps me avoid terrible airport and train food and also helps keep my family satiated on road trips. A healthy protein bar, low in sugar is a must. I choose bars made with whole food ingredients, that contain low refined and processed added sugars. I like to add omega 3’s and omega 6’s, vitamins B & C, and gluten free options that are easier on your digestive system. All of the nutrients in these bars are essential to helping keep you feeling balanced, no hangry family!
Elissa Goodman is a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle cleanse expert who believes that proper nourishment, healing by listening to your gut, and a daily renewal practice are essential for optimal living. Elissa’s mission is to educate and encourage healthy, mindful living, helping others embrace the concept that we are a product of what we eat and how we treat ourselves.