How to Keep Your Digestion Happy During Holiday Travel
Tips for keeping your digestive issues at bay during holiday travel.
Anyone who’s traveled on a plane, bus, car, or train for the holidays can attest to the fact that long hours in confined spaces can do a number on your digestive system. Not only is it nearly impossible to meal prep for the journey, but there are also rarely any healthy food options available while battling stress and traffic to get home for the holidays.
If you want to show your digestive system a little love this holiday season, consider adding a few of these tips before, during, and after your journey.
Before: Plan Your On-the-Go Meals
Depending on the amount of time you’ll be en route, make sure to plan ahead when it comes to snacks and meals. Preparing healthy options that don’t have to be refrigerated (or that can live inside a small lunchbox) is a great way to keep hunger and cravings at bay. The more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll be to buy pre-packaged foods.
While you’re planning out your meals, make sure to use Benefiber regularly and bring some on-the-go packets of Benefiber. Full of plant-based prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health, Benefiber is clear and taste-free, which means you can mix it into anything from oatmeal to water to salad 1 .
During: Hydrate and Avoid Digestive Triggers
Staying properly hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your digestive system in tip-top shape, even while traveling. Make sure to pick healthy hydration choices like water, coconut water, and tea, to avoid adding unnecessary calories.
If you find you get bloated easily, skip the seltzer and carbonated beverages while traveling. Avoid other stomach triggers like salty foods, rich sweets, and simple carbs with no real nutritional value — like white bread or chips — which may promote overeating.
After: Get Moving!
As soon as your long trip is over, make sure to be active. Taking a walk or stretching is a nice way to show your digestive tract a little love, especially after sitting still for so many hours.
1 Not recommended for carbonated beverages.