10 Tips for Traveling and Not Blowing the AIP Diet

One of the biggest conversations that I have been having this past couple of weeks is how to go on a fabulous vacation on the Autoimmune Protocol?

Guess what, it isn’t easy, but when you travel, it can be harder for several reasons.

It takes a huge commitment and eating while traveling can really compromise all of the hard work if you aren’t prepared. 

And, if you want to stick to the AIP while you travel, how are you going to do it?  What are you going to eat? Where are you going to eat?

Let me give you my best 10 tips.  Tips that I use when I travel.

1. Advance preparation is crucial if you are going to stick to your protocol so make sure you start your planning early.
2. Research your hotels. You want to pick one that has a great restaurant with Gluten Free Options.  Or maybe they have suites with kitchens – wouldn’t that be awesome except watch for gluten contamination in that kitchen.  You might want one near a grocery store so you can pick up some health snacks or items for shakes. And is there a fridge in the room that you can use, if not, can they get you one.  Some hotels want to charge for this.  Let them know that you have a medical condition and need it.  That might lower the cost or make it free.
3. Consider taking a small blender with you to make your shakes in the morning. If you don’t want to take a blender, consider making your shakes ahead of time. And freeze them.  You can take frozen liquids on a plane.   They don’t taste as fabulous, but you can still get the benefit of your shake.
4. Investigate restaurants ahead of time that are near to your hotel or near to your functions. That way you don’t have to stress over eating when you are hungry.
5. If you are traveling with work, and there will be lunches brought in, make sure they have gluten free options at the very least. If they don’t you are going to have to be responsible for what you are eating and drinking.
6. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to compromise. If you are on the AIP, gluten should never, ever, be compromised, especially if you are struggling with Hashi’s But maybe you are willing to step outside of the AIP on other things like nightshades, or eggs, etc.  Maybe even dairy or sugar.  However, be careful.  If you have been off these foods for a while, they may not agree with you if you decide to eat them so just be careful when deciding what you will compromise.  You don’t want to ruin your trip.
7. There are products that you can take to help limit the effects of gluten just in case you are exposed. Consider taking those with you.  Email me if you are interested in the products at clientcare@yourhealthmadesimple.com
8. If you are traveling with other people, it becomes harder. You don’t want to make the entire trip about your eating restrictions however, it would be good to let them know you have some diet restrictions and would they be understanding or at the very least not offended if you have to make separate choices.
9. Don’t over do it. You might feel better with the reduced stress, especially if you are on vacation.  However, your body is still going to need the rest so honor yourself when you are tired.  Take a nap or go to bed earlier.  You will feel better for it.
10. Have fun.  You can only do the best that you can so put the time in to prepare well and then just go have fun.