Whenever you’re travelling, how often do you find yourself taking your diet for granted? Although it’s quite normal, it’s not something you should get used to. Former Food Network judge Chef Geoffrey Zakarian told Shape that there’s no other way to make sure you stick to your diet than being strict with yourself when you’re on the road. “Look over your schedule in the morning to see where and when you may have the most temptation food-wise, then work accordingly to prepare for it,” he said. Apart from that, here are some of the simplest ways to keep your diet healthy while you’re travelling: 

Stick to making your own meals

Stick to making your own meals, even though it’s easier and more convenient to eat out instead. This will largely depend on where you’re staying, but if you have access to a kitchen, find a local supermarket near you. Lifehack suggests purchasing a few packs of washed mixed salad leaves, a can of tuna, some lemons, a few herbs and spices, and some legumes and avocados. There is a high chance that all of these ingredients can be found no matter what country you’re in. Then you can knock up a simple, but nutritious, meal without much effort.

Don’t skip breakfast

While it's easy to skip breakfast when you’re out and about, dieticians told Pop Sugar that you shouldn't as breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Sports dietician Cindy Dallow, PhD, RD, said skipping breakfast every once in a while won’t hurt you. But missing it everyday is a different matter as "skipping breakfast puts you at risk for several things: overeating later on in the day, low energy level later in the morning, and low blood sugar level, which can cause lightheadedness.” So if you don’t want to mess up your healthy diet, get into a cycle of eating breakfast in the morning. This will help keep you from consuming more calories than you should. Also if you are backpacking or are on an adventure holiday, it is really important to have enough energy throughout the day.

Update your morning rituals

Some people find it hard to function early in the morning without coffee, and not having a good morning routine can get you into a cycle of consuming more calories than you should. So if your morning habit includes a hot cup of coffee for an energy boost, just how we like it on The Pretty City Girl, make sure you go for healthier alternatives. Coffee from chains, although they taste good, can contain a lot of sugar. Green coffee beans, on the other hand, offer the same flavour, without the extra calories. Pretty Me explains how green coffee beans are filled with powerful antioxidants that can also improve the health of your heart. If you’re wondering what green coffee beans are, they are basically unroasted beans that have not been stripped of the natural antioxidants in them. 

Carry your own snacks

Unless you can find a myriad of healthy snacks where you’re going, it’s still best to bring your own. The Huffington Post recommends nuts as the best snack, especially unsalted ones. Fruits, whether dried or fresh, as well as popcorns, pretzels, and granola bars are also good choices. Just store them in ziplock bags or airtight containers and you’re all set.

Stay hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when you’re on the road because sugary, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks are often more accessible. Travelling can easily dehydrate you and these drinks will just dehydrate you even more—water is always the best choice. If you’re always up and about, bring with you a light, easy-to-carry water bottle that will allow you to bring at least 500ml of water. If you don’t have access to clean water, milk, herbal or fruit tea are good options.