Eating Paleo on the Road

Eating paleo on the go can be difficult, whether you’re scrambling for something quick to eat in the airport or trying to find the perfect regional restaurant for local cuisine while still sticking to your diet. Follow these tips to make things a little easier.

Prep in Advance

You know you have travel coming. You know you’re going to be somewhere the food is foreign, the menus are foreign or you can’t easily start meal prepping on your own. Do your research ahead of time and plan an itinerary that allows you to eat what you need when you need it. Make your diet a priority and search restaurants with paleo offerings ahead of time or you’ll be more likely to take the easy way out when the time comes and forgo your diet in the name of convenience.

Go Simple

While many food blogs and paleo social accounts will make the paleo diet out to be a time-intensive, prep-heavy undertaking, really remember paleo for what it is — simple eating. If you’re in the right spot, you can find simple dining easily — proteins, vegetables, fruit. Even an airport convenience shop can offer paleo trail mix, nuts, beef jerky or your basic fresh fruits like apples and bananas.

Prep Yourself

If you really would rather put together your own meals instead of trusting the local cuisine, you can always prep your own food ahead of time. This, however, will take some planning ahead of your trip, particularly when you’re booking accommodations. Pick a rental, condo or Airbnb with a small kitchen. Just having the kitchen isn’t enough, though. You’ll want to ensure you’re staying somewhere with easy access to the ingredients you need, whether a food market or grocery store, so you’re not lugging bags of groceries around the city.

If You Have To …

You can eat paleo even at some of your favorite fast food restaurants. The key is to remember tip No. 2 — go simple. If you’re eating at a burger place, ask for the burger and veggies only, no bun, no cheese, no sauce. Headed to a Mexican fast-food chain? Grab a bowl without the rice and beans, but all the veggies and protein you want.

While it can seem intimidating, just stick to your standards while on the go, and eating paleo while traveling can be an easy undertaking.