Last updated August 18, 2022
We’ve all done it—skipped out on breakfast to get a head start on the day. But according to a certified integrative nutrition health coach, prioritizing a balanced breakfast especially while on vacation is very important. Learn the 3 benefits of eating breakfast while on vacation… below.
Food is the love language of travel. Some people even plan vacations around the foodie experience, opting for activities that dive into local cuisines, spices and wines.
From food tours to wine tastings and culinary classes—food is a major component of wellness travel as it supports your overall well-being.
But let’s be honest. How many of you prefer to skip breakfast when you travel because you want to sleep in (after all, you are on vacation), save calories for other indulgences or choose morning coffee (or tea) instead?.
Even though breakfast is touted as the most important meal of the day, we often don’t eat it. A recent study reveals that 97 percent of Americans agree breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet only 44 percent eat it every day.
Breakfast of Champions
Prioritizing a balanced breakfast while on vacation is actually very important.
A healthy breakfast can set the tone for your day in terms of blood sugar management, and can fuel you up for fitness activities, adventures and exploring.
Your body needs the fuel and nutrients to help you power up. Breakfast eaters tend to be more physically active in the morning than those who don’t eat until later in the day.
And it does matter as much what you eat as it does that you do eat breakfast (and not just donuts or sugary cereal). It’s about using nutrition to give your body the fuel it needs to make it through that fitness class, hike that mountain, kayak that lake, stroll through that village.
Studies suggest that eating carbohydrates before exercise (or any activity for that matter) can improve performance. If you don’t eat, you might feel sluggish.
Carbs are essential food nutrients that your body turns into glucose, which gives you the energy to function. Complex carbs such as fruits, veggies and whole-grain products are less likely to spike blood sugar than simple carbs or sugars.
3 Benefits of Eating Breakfast While on Vacation
The benefits of eating breakfast, and a healthy one at that, are backed by science. According to Healthline, breakfast foods are brimming with fiber, healthy fat and protein.
However, with endless options ranging from an ala carte menu to a continental buffet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and possibly not make a healthy breakfast decision, especially on vacation.
Here are 3 solid benefits of eating breakfast while on vacation as well as a few suggestions around what to eat.
1. Remedies natural dehydration
After a long night’s sleep, your body wakes up dehydrated which can make you feel fatigued during the day. Dehydration can also disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythms making it difficult to fall asleep at night.
So before you dive into any foods, you’ll want to properly hydrate first. Drinking at least 2 cups of water first thing in the morning can boost your metabolism and flush out harmful toxins.
If drinking a plain glass of water doesn’t excite you, supercharge your water with other herbs and fruits. Add in lemon, apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits or anything else you desire. Green tea will both hydrate and increase your metabolism simultaneously.
2. Replenishes stores of energy and nutrients
While pancakes, waffles, muffins and scones are a crowd favorite for morning comfort foods, these options are typically loaded with sugar.
It is advisable to eat these in moderation and choose options that are made from whole wheat flour or grains.. Instead of topping them with jam or syrup, pair them with healthy fat and fiber-rich foods. Try eating them with fresh apples, berries, yogurt, avocado, nut butter or any fresh option on the menu or buffet line.
Jacquie Smith, a certified integrative nutrition health coach, tells Vacayou that “at a continental breakfast, I will opt for fruit and a healthy whole grain or sourdough bread along with a nut butter packet. Why? The nut butter packet is the healthy fat you need to keep your blood sugar levels stable and your body satiated.”
When in a pinch and unsure if your spa hotel or resort will offer nut butters, don’t be afraid to pack some in your carry on.
Healthy breakfast travel staples could range from nut butters, oatmeal packets, dried fruit, nuts and protein bars, Smith points out.
“With these travel staples and by picking up almond milk and fresh fruit, I’m able to eat a variety of healthy breakfasts before I set out for my travel activities each day,” shares Smith.
3. Boosts brain power
Believe it or not, packing breakfast travel staples is a great tip for anyone traveling with severe food allergies.
As a wellness travel coach who’s allergic to gluten and diary, packing healthy travel staples is an integral part of my wellness packing routine.
Carrying allergy-friendly staples will bring you peace, enhance your travel confidence and ultimately satisfy your belly. Other brain boosting staples that supercharge your body and are great for breakfast include: dark chocolate (top it on oatmeal), avocado (smother it on bread) and eggs.
In short, when it comes to the “breakfast of champions for travelers,” the best advice is to keep it simple and eat whole foods (minimally processed).
Smith’s favorite “little adapt” is to keep breakfast simple and nutrient-packed so you can get out the door quickly plus have the energy necessary for the day.
She also notes that when you start the day like this, it makes you feel good and makes those indulgent, “worth it” lunch and dinner meals taste even more amazing.
With a little pre-planning, it’s easy to start your day on a healthy note. What is your go-to breakfast food?
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About Vacayou
We believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect the inner self. That’s why we’re here. Take an online staycation with us. Change how you think about travel and let us make it easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. But we don’t stop there. We are with you every step of the way—before, during and after your journey—to make sure you enjoy the most meaningful vacation ever. It’s Travel That Moves You.
Vacayou’s travel concierge team can help you discover, book and plan your next wellness vacation that includes healthy breakfast options.
