If you love traveling, you know that staying healthy and having good, natural, nourishing food options is not always a given. And nothing ruins a mood faster than being sick on the road. Luckily there are many yummy superfoods that you can easily take with you while you travel or purchase on location to maximize your wellbeing.
1. Matcha Tea
Forget normal green tea, and explore the amazing benefits of matcha tea. What makes matcha tea special is that instead of dipping the green tea leaves into the water and letting them infuse, you actually ingest the entire leaf. Matcha comes in various different grades, among which ceremonial grade is the highest quality. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will give you an energy (and health) boost for the entire day.
Travel tip: For travel, you can also try instant matcha in single-use bags.
2. Ginger
Superfoods don’t always have to be exotic and new. Ginger is perhaps the easiest natural remedy for fighting colds, keeping the immune system up and running, and soothing the stomach. And the best part about it is that ginger is readily available just about anywhere! Ginger is every traveler’s best friend, because it’s full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Travel tip: If you don’t have access to fresh ginger, take some ginger essential oil with you and add 1–2 drops to your water.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is related to ginger, and they share similar great benefits for our health, not to mention the fantastic taste turmeric adds to curries and soups! Turmeric fights inflammation and is a strong antioxidant. Luckily this spice is a cornerstone of many Asian dishes, and also very easy to take with you on your travels.
Travel tip: Explore the local markets and find fresh turmeric (and plenty of other ingredients!).
4. Essential Oils
While living on a small island in the Philippines for years, I had to become inventive about many products. I quickly noticed the incredible healing power of essential oils. Oils such as lavender, frankincense, lemon, and peppermint can be very valuable in fighting colds, relieving pains and aches (think sunburn or insect bites), and relaxing you after hectic days.
Make sure your oils are of good quality, and do not ingest oils that you are not sure of. Personally I use DoTerra oils, and depending on the purpose I dilute them in my juice, smell them, spray them with water on my skin, or massage them into my skin.
Travel Tip: Worried about carrying liquids? Some oils come in easily digestible capsules.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another easy kitchen remedy for many different issues travelers can face while on the road. Baking soda can help with stomach upsets, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, and cold symptoms. Simply put one teaspoon of baking soda into two cups of water, and consume 1–2 hours after eating. Aside from digestive relief, it can also give your immune system a boost. You can even use it as a deodorant or to help relieve skin rashes.
Travel tip: Pack a few small sachets of baking soda into your bag. It won’t take much space, but can save you in many situations.
6. Coconut Oil
This miracle oil is available in many places around the world, and easy to take with you. Coconut oil can be used as a soothing agent on your skin, and as a silky and nourishing treatment for your hair. When ingested, it can improve digestive health and help your body better absorb vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, which help the body deal with bacteria or fungi.
Travel tip: Use coconut oil as a carrier oil for your essential oils, and make your own soothing massage oil mix on the spot.
Staying healthy while traveling doesn’t need to be complicated. Taking some extra measures to support your digestion and immune system makes for a happy traveler.
What’s your best superfood tip to travel safely and healthily?
Image Credit: Mandy Martini
