In the quest to stay healthy while exploring the world, few things are as crucial as keeping your diet rich in vegetables, especially greens. Eating a variety of green veggies ensures you get a balanced mix of nutrients even on the road. But how do you do this without feeling restricted or missing out on the local flavors? Here are some easy ways to sneak more greens into your travel meals and enjoy a veggie victory every day.
Incorporating Greens into Every Meal
When traveling, a well-crafted salad can be a green haven. Look for local markets or hotel buffets with fresh ingredients and make your greens the star. For example, Taylor Farms onions are packed with vitamin C and offer a unique flavor that can really elevate a travel-friendly salad.
Don’t stop with salads. There are plenty of travel-friendly dishes where you can add greens stealthily. Think lasagna in an Italian trattoria, stir-fry in Asia, or casseroles at a cozy mountain lodge. Adding spinach, kale, or collard greens boosts nutritional value while introducing a delicious depth of flavor.
Smoothies: A Green Travel Boost
Smoothies are perfect for travelers looking for a quick, healthy option. Green smoothies—blending fruits with local leafy greens—can be refreshing and nourishing between sightseeing stops. Start simple with a spinach and banana mix, or go adventurous with kale, pineapple, and ginger.
Soups on the Go
Soups are a great travel-friendly way to sneak in greens. Add spinach or kale to local soups, stews, or broths—greens soften during cooking but retain most of their nutrients. Creamy vegetable soups, like broccoli or celery, are easy to find at cafes worldwide and double as comfort food.
Snacks That Keep You Green
Even snacks are an opportunity to consume more greens while traveling. Think veggie sticks with hummus, green-based chips, or avocado-packed treats. Local markets often have fresh, portable options perfect for snacking between attractions.
Wilted Greens: Quick Hotel Room Sauté
A simple sauté of wilted greens can turn a plain travel meal into a nutrient boost. Chard, spinach, or kale sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon is easy to prepare if you have access to a kitchenette or Airbnb kitchen.
Pizza and Sandwich Upgrades
Your favorite travel meals, like pizza or sandwiches, are perfect for adding greens. A little arugula, spinach, or bell pepper goes a long way toward making a meal both healthy and flavorful. Many local pizzerias or delis are happy to customize toppings for a nutritious twist.
Adding more greens while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of creativity and variety and some planning, you can easily meet—or exceed—your daily vegetable goals. Sneak in more greens slowly, and eventually they’ll become a seamless part of your travel meals. Each colorful bite keeps you nourished, energized, and ready for your next adventure!
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