The word ‘health' is either now overrated or over exaggerated. It's important to manage your intake and daily routine of staying healthy and this plan should also be adhered to during you travels. Remember, months of keeping your health in check could be overturned by as small as a three day trip. It's time to see how we can both enjoy and stay in shape at the same time!
1. Healthy snacks
Snacks are an integral part of travel. As much as some may deny, the time passes well when our jaws are at work. Of course, we all love yummy crackers packed with preservatives and other additives. But how can we look into health and snack at the same time? Many travelers assume this aspect of a taking a trip and eating healthy is cumbersome. Let's see how we can better the snacks we munch on. My picks of best snacks that keep you healthy, rejuvenate you and are loved by many are listed below;
- Jell-o or jelly puddings in small cups
- Fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, grapes are easy to transport and pineapple, mango, banana and watermelon are easier cut into bite size cubes and packed in airtight containers with like to wade of discoloration.
- Yogurt in tubs/ tubes
- Roasted and/or spiced nuts such as walnuts, cashews and peanuts
- Boiled and buttered corn or flavored popped corn
- Homemade sandwiches
- Health bars or oats/wheat crackers (you could spread some fresh jam on them for more taste)Dried fruit such as raisins, apricots and pumpkin preserve
2. Do you have to travel by car the whole time?
An important fact to keep in mind is that our bodies require constant flow of blood through the system in order for our muscles and bones to be flexible. Whenever the chance arises, get up and walk. Don't take the car around the mountain just because you see too many steps to count. Don't sit in the car, and view the scenery just because you will get 5 minutes late from your scheduled time of arrival at your destination. Walk, move, swing your hand and legs... keep doing something and keep the liquids flowing.
3. Travelling is all well and good but are you resting too?
We all love the midnight rendezvous and morning to night drives down an epic road. But are we having enough rest and sleep through it? Rest is of paramount importance, especially for the driver. It is suggested that travelers take a break of driving every two to three hours. If you are on a flight, resting can actually reduced the level of jet lag after landing. Motion sickness that occurs in any vehicle would reduce sharply with proper rest. Two things to make a mental note of: i) the trip will not be a good one if you think you can break rest and enjoy at the same time and ii) falling ill during the trip would be the worst especially if you are in an unknown place you don't have much access or information to medical assistance.
4. Drink plenty of water
Humongous frozen drinks and soda, artificial fruit concoctions and unlimited coffees and teas, may be traditional road trip fuel. These drinks dehydrate the body, gives an immense sugar rush to the already restless kids and to top it off, it also adds on calories. Instead, reach for a big gulp of water, which will keep you hydrated, quench your thirst, is easily accessible and most definitely keeps calories at an all time low. What's better, you would glow through your trip since water rejuvenates the skin cells and brightens it!!
5. Keep your spiritual health in check
Apart from the intake of food, beverages and other external aspects, also keep your eye on more spiritual aspects. Remember to say your prayers on time (you could use several web tools such as the Qibla Direction & Prayer Times and the Air Travel Prayer Time Calculator to keep track of Salah). Always recite your Duah's and fortify yourself before beginning travel, during, after and keep you fortifications before and after beginning your meals, dressing and all other activities. Remembrance of Allah places assurance in your heart and lightens your weight of worry thereby keeping you healthy from inside out.
