The Digital Nomad's Guide to Eating & Fitness on the Go: Wellness Wanderlust #1
Digital nomads seemingly have it all: freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to work from anywhere. But there's a catch. Staying healthy while traversing the globe can be a challenge.
This two-part series will explore the hurdles and solutions to maintaining good health as a digital nomad. In this first part, we'll focus on smart eating habits and physical fitness.
Are you ready to dive in?
Eating Smartly on the Go
Traveling workers, we get it. Airport food? Both costly and not particularly healthy. Local cuisine? Delicious, yet often high in calories, fats, salts, or sugars. And cooking your own meals can be time-consuming, depending on your accommodations and location.
Eating healthy is a challenge. Here are some essential tips to eat well while traveling:
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Plan: Research local food options and prices. Look for eateries offering healthy dishes such as salads, soups, grills, and green dishes. Consider booking accommodation with a kitchen or fridge to cook your meals or store groceries.
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Stay Hydrated: Aim to consume around two liters of water per day to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature, and control appetite. A reusable or filter bottle can save you money and reduce plastic waste. The Plant Nanny app tracks your water intake to keep you at peak hydration.
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Watch the Spirits: Cheers responsibly. Alcohol can be part of the social aspects of the nomadic work lifestyle. But it also disrupts sleep, impairs judgment, and adds extra calories. Limit yourself to one or two daily drinks. Drink water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and prevent hangovers.
Fitness on the Move
Staying active as a digital nomad can be tricky. Long flights and bus rides may leave little room for exercise, and working from your laptop can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. However, staying active is a physical and mental health necessity. Exercise burns calories, strengthens muscles, improves posture, boosts mood, and reduces anxiety.
Here are few tips to keep active while on the move:
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Make time for exercise: Consider your workout as an integral part of your daily routine. Use apps like To-Do Adventure to remind you of your exercise plan. Whether it's early in the morning or later in the day, commit to it just as you would a business meeting. (Just Set a goal… ANY goal!)
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Walking or Running: If you don't have time to hit the gym, walking or running is a fantastic alternative—both budget-friendly and great for your health. You can explore a new spot, maybe a beach or park near your Airbnb, or simply get off the bus 1-2 stops early and walk home. While walking, you can enjoy the city's streetscape and scenery, and you might even meet new friends who share your interest in staying active.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where we'll dive deeper into managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, and staying connected while navigating the globe. Ensuring your well-being as a digital nomad extends far beyond just diet and exercise, and we're here to guide you through it all.