…Or “No, Mr. TSA Employee, That’s Not a Container of Explosive Clay, Just 4oz of Cooked Tilapia in a Baggie”
I had a request, from someone I love, to write this article on what to do when traveling. So I said “Of course! Because, I love you!” (That conversation was more or less verbatim. I’m a woman of few words)
I’m going to do my best to make this as short and simple as possible. So, let’s cut this up into two sections: A) The actual traveling part and B) when you’re living temporarily in an unfamiliar place (ala. On vacation, or shooting on location, etc.)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles…
This really comes down to ::grumble grumble:: planning. Let’s face it; rest stops and airports don’t always have the best options as far as food is concerned (McDonalds, Quiznos, and Mrs. Fields? MMmmm, tastes like America). Plus, it’s expensive! $4.50 for a single banana?? No thanks. So, the obvious answer is to bring your own noms. Not only does this include healthy snacks (ex. fruit, mixed nuts, bars, lil’ packets of peanut butter… mmmm peanut butter…) but also, if you’re traveling for most of the day, pack full meals! I’m not embarrassed to say that I have smuggled disposable baggies filled with my own homemade deliciousness into the airport on more than one occasion. And I have yet to have any of the airport employees make me get rid of it during the screening process. They seem to understand for the most part.
Exhibit A: fresh green beans and baked tilapia, cooked with coconut oil and seasoned with Mrs. Dash seasoning. With an iced coffee, of course. It ain’t pretty, I know. But it was delish!
And if you are blessed with high levels of DGAF (Don’t Give a …Fudge), then get on with your awesome self and bust out some bodyweight exercises. You’re about to sit for hours on end, so get the blood flowing with some standing calf raises, lunges, curls with your carry-on luggage. Get creative! (I, however, would draw the line at doing sprints on the tarmac. They frown upon that. Weird, I know.) AND I’ll grant bonus points to whomever gets the most “looks” from other travelers. You’re welcome.
Home Away from Home
Yay! You booked a movie! And it shoots on location! You are so badass!
Now, I’m about to sound repetitive but it’s time to plan again! Woohoo!
Do they provide housing? Yes? Score. Is it an apartment or another extended stay housing type of place? Yeah? Double score. Then, live life as you normally would. Go to the local grocery store and stock up on all your usual goodies.
Oh, it’s a hotel without a kitchen? That’s OK too. We can make this work. I believe in you. First check with the hotel to see if the rooms have mini fridges. If not, see if you can request one. They usually have a handful available to people who request them. Also, there is PLENTY of good-for-you food that does not require refrigeration. (oats, fruits, veggies, canned tuna, etc)
While we all know that restaurants shouldn’t be your go-to source for meals, that doesn’t mean you have to fear eating out. Most “sit-down” restaurants are relatively open to special requests and modifications. So, flex that sexy will-power muscle and order something that fits inside your healthy lifestyle. (Everyone is different/ has different goals, so I won’t give examples here… But, if you want ‘em, leave a comment below and I’m happy to jot down a couple of suggestions.)
And while on set, Krafty can either be your best friend OR that girl who pretends to be your best friend, but is actually saying some pretty horrible things about you to your crush while you’re not around. Either way, come prepared. Don’t be afraid to bring your own snacks and food. And if you think that someone will have a problem with it (which they most likely won’t) just tell them that you have “food allergies” and need to be a little careful. Boom. I’ve never had anyone argue with the food allergy defense.
And here’s the most important part. Get a pencil and paper. I’ll wait… Ready? OK. The #1 rule is: Don’t let this stress you out!
I try to view travel as a fun experiment in planning and dedication. HOWEVER I still live by the 90-10 rule. Meaning; stick to the healthy eating 90% of the time and relax and be more flexible for the other 10%. Damn straight that I will enjoy that glass of wine or try a cupcake from that really cute gluten-free bakery!
The whole point of living this lifestyle is to take care of yourself! That not only means physically, but emotionally as well.
I’d LOVE to hear your experiences with traveling and anything you might have learned along the way. I’m always looking for new ideas, so add your comment below!
Carry on my beautiful warriors!