Are you planning to visit family and friends overseas or interstate this year? Travel can throw you out of your usual routine, changing and possibly even reducing your food and fluid intake.

Here are some easy tips for keeping your diet consistent, even when you are away from home:

• Pack a few snacks that can stay in your day bag without being damaged. Dry biscuits, muesli bars or even small fruit cups with properly sealed lids are best. These will provide sustenance when you are caught out and need a snack!
• Organise your snacks the night before you travel. That way you don’t have to rely on an airport cafe or a drive-thru restaurant.
• Take a bottle of water for domestic flights, or ask for a bottle if you are on international flights, to keep hydrated. Electrolyte powders are great to take with you on a flight or when you are out and about. These help you retain fluid.
• On your day of travel, aim to consume 250ml of fluid every hour, which will keep you hydrated and ready to go when the plane lands.
• When away from home, try to stick to your usual diet as much as possible. When dining out, order something similar to what you would eat at home, especially for meals such as breakfast and lunch.

The key is to be prepared and plan ahead to make sure you can take in the sights and get the most out of every day without having to worry about your diet too much!

Simone Austin currently divides her time between her role as the dietitian for the Hawthorn Football Club, Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club, Melbourne Heart Football Club and private practice and aged care consultations. Previous to this, Simone spent six years as the dietitian for the Australian Men’s Cricket Team, as well as roles in community health and other state-wide football teams.

Photo: PDR