Maintaining health whilst travelling
It’s no surprise that regular travel whether for business or pleasure can take its toll on health. Various time zones, hours spent seated on planes, different foods and simply being out of schedule can play havoc with good habits. Whilst enjoying different and perhaps unhealthy foods can be part of the travelling experience, it can help to have a few healthy living strategies at the top of mind so good health is not lost entirely.
1) Walk- As much and as often as possible:
Walking is one of the most underrated forms of activity. It is free and there is no need for fancy devices and equipment, simply arrange comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Walking is a superb way to improve or maintain health. Dedicating 30 minutes per day to walking at a rapid pace can enhance heart health, strengthen bones, reduce excess body weight and boost muscle power and endurance. Walking also assists in the management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular stiffness. Did you know that walking also improves balance?! Studies have shown that actively walking at a solid pace can assist in coordination and steadiness, particularly as we age.
Long term, the benefits of regular walking includes a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes. Walking is also an effective form of stress release for the body.
In Victoria we are blessed with beautiful parks, gardens and nature walks. Inner city includes Melbourne’s picturesque Botanical Gardens in South Yarra that is flanked by the tram track. Nearby is Albert Park Lake and the beautiful Beaconsfield Parade bay walk.
There are also various tracks and surrounds that can be enjoyed as a weekend leisure pursuit for reprieve from city living. A few of our favourites include visiting the Dandenong ranges for the 1000 steps, Emerald Lake and Olinda.
We especially love taking a leisurely Sunday walk followed by afternoon tea in one of the many quaint Olinda cafes. We love the walking and food, however we are especially partial to the freshness and vibrancy of country air.
At Living Pure we understand that work pressures and life’s business can get in the way of exercise sessions. So why not plan a catch up with friends for a walk to explore the new areas.
2) Visit local markets to buy fresh vegetables:
Melbourne alone has an array of markets that are a visual feast in addition to a delicacy for taste and touch. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market are just a few. However, there is also a rotating roster of farmers markets that operate on Saturdays and Sundays throughout Victoria. We like Abbotsford Slow Food Farmers Market, Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market, and Gasworks Albert Park.
One of the beauties of shopping at a local market and farmers market is there are fewer steps from grower to seller. The produce tends to be fresher and we can interact with the produce experts. A favourite past time for Melbournians is to visit a weekend market to purchase the week’s produce; and whilst at the market there are opportunities to taste the divine morsels on offer, commonly presented in the trendy and ubiquitous food trucks seen at various farmers markets.
So why is a visit to local markets a strategy for boosting health and wellness during travel? Markets offer the freshest and most seasonal produce compared to supermarkets and other large stores. In a world where we see food available all year round thanks to the global food market, we also see more food miles where our food travels longer and further before it lands on our plate. Food miles and long periods of food stored in refrigeration may reduce the food’s nutritional profile. Of course the flavour of food is important for palatability, however, for long term health it is vital we prioritise nutritional components.
A few other top tips for health living during travel:
Chat to locals where their favourite restaurants and cafes are > It’s a good indicator if locals eat there .
Drink Plenty of water > A human adult is approximately 70% water, hydration losses from excessive flying can be drying for the skin and lead to tiredness and migraines.
Posted onJune 28, 2018