How to Eat Healthy on Vacation Without A Fridge - Global Citizens Association (2024)

Most advice about eating healthy on vacation involves buying alternate options at grocery stores and cooking some nights instead of dining out. But that assumes you’ll have access to a fridge and possibly a stove—amenities that are not present in all hotel rooms and temporary destinations.

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, camping out, or changing destinations each night, if you’re asking how to eat healthy without access to a fridge, we’ve compiled some tips for you.

Dried goods are your friend

The keys to successful healthy travel are planning and intentional packing. When packing, load up on various snacks, like nuts and bars. Natural fruit leathers or dehydrated fruit can also provide nutrients and are great for travel. Remember, you don’t know if the stores at your destination will have the healthiest options, so the best thing to do is pack your go-tos before you leave.

Hit up produce stands and grocery stores

Yes, many grocery store aisles contain food that needs to be stored somewhere cold, but they can also be a great source of fresh and healthy foods. Focus on fruits and snackable vegetables that keep well at room temperature. Apples, stone fruit, tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers are great examples of food that can sit in your space for up to a week. Just make sure not to store them in front of a sunny window.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of pre-made meals at grocery stores! Many stores have grab-and-go options that are cheaper and healthier than what you might find at a restaurant.

Research restaurants for entrée magic

Some cities have a plethora of healthy restaurants to choose from, but if you are going somewhere a bit more remote, it’s not guaranteed that you will have exciting dining choices. If you’re stuck trying to order the healthiest thing at a place that doesn’t offer many options, what’s on your plate often feels (and looks) like an afterthought.

This is where planning comes in. If you have time, don’t just look at a list of area restaurant names. Read their menus. You don’t have to get the salad or a sad fruit plate. Often, you should be able to find a restaurant that has a relatively healthy entrée—all you need is one. And if you decide to get your protein or healthy carbs or fats from that meal, you should be able to order something worth looking forward to.

Maintaining a healthy diet on vacation requires thoughtful planning, especially without access to a fridge. Dried goods, smart packing, and exploring local produce and grocery stores offer nutritious alternatives. Researching restaurants beforehand ensures satisfying and healthy meal options, even in remote locations. You can enjoy a nourishing and fulfilling culinary experience with strategic choices throughout your journey.

How to Eat Healthy on Vacation Without A Fridge - Global Citizens Association (2024)

FAQs

How to Eat Healthy on Vacation Without A Fridge - Global Citizens Association? ›

Hit up produce stands and grocery stores

How to eat healthy without a fridge? ›

There are plenty of healthy dried foods that you can keep around as a staple component of your meals.
  1. Rice (whole grain or instant)
  2. Noodles.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Beans.
  5. Lentils.
  6. Nuts and Seeds (unsalted)
  7. Dried Fruit.
  8. Beef, Turkey, or Salmon jerky (low-sodium)
May 31, 2023

What are some foods that don't need to be refrigerated? ›

WHAT FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?
  • TOMATOES. Keep your tomatoes juicy, tasty and ready for your next Tomato and Ricotta Pizza by storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge.
  • POTATOES. ...
  • ONIONS. ...
  • PICKLES. ...
  • CUCUMBERS. ...
  • BELL PEPPERS. ...
  • AVOCADOS. ...
  • WINTER SQUASH.

What fruit does not need refrigeration? ›

Though most fruits fare fine in the fridge (mangoes, apples, ginger), many fruits do better when stored outside of the fridge, whether on the counter or stored in a pantry. When stored at room temp, some fruits tend to be softer and juicier—and more enjoyable—like melons, stone fruits, and mangoes.

How to eat healthy on vacation? ›

Following some tips on how to eat healthy while you travel can help keep you on track without making it feel like you're missing out.
  1. Pack nourishing snacks. ...
  2. Take a reusable water bottle. ...
  3. Ask for access to a fridge and microwave. ...
  4. Scout a local grocery store. ...
  5. Start your day with breakfast. ...
  6. Make your meals balanced.
Dec 11, 2023

What protein does not need refrigeration? ›

Here are some fridge free proteins that you can grab on the go: Canned Fish like tuna, sardines and salmon. DIY Protein Bars - these can be as simple as oats, a nut butter, protein powder and water. Jerky - beef, turkey, bison, salmon (yes, it's a thing)

What sandwich does not need refrigeration? ›

5 Sandwiches That Don't Require Cold Cuts
  • Variations on PB&J. You've probably eaten a ton of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches throughout your lifetime and made even more for your children and grandkids. ...
  • Yummy Banana Sandwiches. ...
  • Classic Tomato Sandwiches. ...
  • Tasty Cucumber Sandwiches. ...
  • An Alternative to the BLT.
Aug 21, 2018

What meats and cheeses don't need refrigeration? ›

For those reasons, consumers can find items like Parmesan cheese or packages of salami at room temperature in the grocery store. However, other softer and semi-soft cheeses and meats such as lunchmeat and ring bologna need to be refrigerated to prevent disease-causing bacteria from growing.

What meat does not need refrigeration? ›

The solution is to bring meat that does not need refrigeration. Some long-lasting canned meat products fare well in cool and dry places. Canned chicken, chicken packets, sausage links, precooked bacon, beef jerky, and canned ham are viable protein substitutes.

What dairy doesn't need refrigeration? ›

Milk is made shelf-stable (refrigeration not required for storage) by it at a higher temperature. Which is called ultra-high temperature pasteurization, or UHT pasteurization. Traditional milk is heated up to at least 161 degrees for 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria in the milk.

What 12 foods should not be refrigerated? ›

22 foods not to refrigerate
  • Apples. Apples can stay fresh and delicious for up to a week or two on the counter. ...
  • Avocados. When stored at room temperature, avocados are more likely to ripen faster than when stored in the fridge.
  • Bananas. ...
  • Bell peppers. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Bread. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Coffee.

Do eggs need to be refrigerated? ›

Freshly laid eggs need to be refrigerated immediately. Fresh eggs purchased from a farmers market need to be refrigerated as soon as you get home. Per USDA guidelines, eggs should be stored at 40 degrees F or below to help minimize the risk of Salmonella.

Should you refrigerate peanut butter? ›

According to The National Peanut Board, an unopened jar of peanut butter can last six to nine months at room temperature. Once opened, they say that it can last two to three months in the pantry before you should move it to the fridge, where it can maintain quality for another three to four months.

What is the healthiest food to eat while traveling? ›

Healthy choices for airports and train stations
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt.
  • Hummus with veggies.
  • Fruit cups made with fresh fruit.
  • Pre-cut veggies.
  • Oatmeal.
Oct 1, 2023

Is it OK to eat junk on vacation? ›

Eating too many foods without nutritional value can leave travelers with irregular bowel movements. Eating something highly processed and high in sodium — like many fast-food options — can take their toll, said Paige Macauley, director of dietetics for CoreLife Novant Health in North Carolina.

How to keep food fresh without a fridge? ›

Root cellars are ideal for items like potatoes, carrots, apples, and onions. The consistent, cool temperature helps extend their shelf life. 2. Pantry: Dry goods such as grains (rice, pasta, quinoa), canned foods, and non-perishable items like flour, sugar, and dried beans can be stored in a pantry or cupboard.

How can I bring lunch to work without a refrigerator? ›

How to Keep a Lunch Cold Without Refrigeration
  1. Loose Ice. An old-school solution, loose ice spells disaster. ...
  2. Lunch Bags With Ice Packs. Some people try lunch bags with ice packs to keep their food cool. ...
  3. Frozen Water Bottles or Juice Boxes. ...
  4. Freezer Food. ...
  5. Thermoses. ...
  6. Coolers. ...
  7. Bento Boxes. ...
  8. How Do I Freeze My PackIt Lunch Bag?
May 22, 2023

What can you eat when the fridge is not working? ›

Keep several gallons of safe drinking water in the freezer. This will help keep food cold and also provide backup in case your water supply is compromised. Keep nutrient-dense, non-perishable items on hand for eating: nuts and seeds, dried fruit, whole grain cereal, and jarred or canned fruits and vegetables.

How can I eat healthy when not at home? ›

Healthy Restaurant Options
  1. Eat a small salad or broth-based soup first. ...
  2. Choose veggie-based entrees or those with baked, broiled or grilled fish or skinless chicken.
  3. Look for meals that aren't greasy or oily. ...
  4. Ask to substitute veggies or salad for fattening sides such as fries, coleslaw or butter-laden mashed potatoes.

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