As summer vacation time is approaching, I felt inspired to encourage all of you to stay strong on your healthy program and not give in to laziness. There is no need to go on vacation and a business trip and come back feeling lousy or dragging because you eat poorly. Yes go out and enjoy some meals, but balance it out with these suggestions.

Here are some of the tips I give my clients when they plan on taking a trip:

1. Snacks should ideally be a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat. In other words, just peanuts alone or just fruit alone will imbalance a person's blood sugar and metabolism but protein foods like nuts or seeds combined with fruit is a perfect snack.

2. Nuts and seeds should be raw NOT roasted. Roasted nuts and seeds increase the LDL which is the "Bad" cholesterol, RAW nuts and seeds increase the HDL which is the "Good" Cholesterol. I recommend: almonds, walnuts (especially high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids), pecans, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds (high in zinc).

3. Dried fruit combines well with nuts and seeds and does not have to be refrigerated. I often recommend figs, dates, raisins and dried berries. It is important to eat these fruits with some protein and fat to keep one's blood sugar balanced.

4. Packaged Japanese soups in envelopes found in the oriental food section or health food and grocery stores are a favorite of my clients, including: white and red miso soup and wakame soup. These soups are very high in trace minerals which helps keep one alkalinized and energized during the stress of travel.

5. High quality organic and raw milk cheeses are a convenient protein and mineral rich food that combines well with avocado, nuts, seeds and fruit.

6. I always recommend my clients bring a small cooler on the plane with some fresh foods for the trip and up to several days upon arrival. Depending on your dining options at your destination, you may want to stock up on your favorite healthy fresh foods that need refrigeration, including: vegetables, fruits, eggs and milk.

7. For a power shake when you need some nutrition one can mix the following ingredients in shaker cup with water: ground flaxseeds or flax seed oil (oil must be in a cooler or refrigerated) , whey or rice protein powder, and barely green powder. Add a teaspoon of unheated, raw honey or a teaspoon of stevia powder and you have a perfectly macronutrient balanced power drink full of protein, nutrient dense green foods, and omega 3 essential fatty acids. This tastes great and you can prepackage several of these combinations in plastic baggies so you don't need to bring large canisters on the plane.

8. For the person who needs more protein I have found dried naturally raised beef and bison jerky from health food stores provide the 30-40 grams of protein some of us need per snack to feel balanced and energized. Combine this healthy meat meal with some celery sticks or pre-bagged salad greens and you have a protein and fiber rich snack that will keep the Atkins diet followers on their plan.

9. Hydration is crucial while traveling by plane. I always suggest for my clients to bring plenty of healthy mineral rich water. Either sparkling mineral water like Pelligrino or Perrier or Trinity Water which is mineral rich and alkalinizing. Both offset the acidity generated from stress and eating a diet higher in sugar and caffeine.

10. On the topic of hydration let's not forget that fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with mineral and enzyme rich water. Always bring some fresh citrus, apples, cucumbers or celery on your trip to give you the fiber and extra water you'll need.

11. As far as supplements to help while traveling I recommend the following:

a. Bee Pollen - a complete food that does not need to be refrigerated for several days. Loaded with enzymes, minerals, essential fatty acids and vitamins.

b. Flaxseed oil or fish oil capsules: If you'll be eating out a lot you may not have the food selection to up the vital Omega 3 essential fatty acid levels that are optimum. These supplements must be refrigerated.

c. Ginger tea: Yes, ginger is a good travel food because it helps with nausea, digestion and increases circulation after sitting for many hours.

d. Barley green, Spirulina or other green powdered super-foods: If you want more anti-oxidants,vitamins and minerals while on the road these are the ticket. Most brands don't have to be refrigerated. All you need to do is add to a glass of juice or water and stir up and you have have instant vegetable juice.

e. Digestive enzymes: Helps with digesting foods that one is not used to when under stress. Health food stores have many brands, keep a few in your pocket when you're dining out to help absorb more nutrients from your meal and reduce stomach problems.

Once you've reached your destination and start eating out, just try to stick to your program as best you can. One doesn't have to be perfect while on the road, but if you know you need more protein foods then eat less bread and deserts, if you are the type that does well with more good carbohydrates make sure you're eating extra servings of vegetables and fruits with each meal.

Some preparation and planning is important to make your trip a pleasurable experience in both the activity level and dietary level. The benefits of taking a few of these tips will enhance your travel experience and keep you feeling strong and refreshed throughout your trip.

Bon Voyage !

For more information, please visit James Jordan’s Web site, www.createvibranthealth.com.

By James Jordan, J.D., C.N.C.