Nutrition for Travelling Athletes

Travelling can pose some challenges when trying to meet nutritional goals. Whether your trip is a few hours in the car or a flight interstate or overseas, your aim is to arrive at your destination in a position to perform at your best!

For a long car trip:

• Plan your meals in relation to your competition. Keep in mind that your pre-event meal may need to be consumed during your trip

• Pack your own snacks so you don’t have to rely on the less desirable options available at the service station or takeaway store

• Take a cooler bag to keep your food cool

• If you do plan to stop for a meal along the way, work out the best restaurant options on your route

• Pack water to keep hydrated

For plane trips:

• If you have high energy needs, pack some extra snacks

• Long flights can upset your digestive system. Try to avoid this by eating fibre rich foods and drinking plenty of fluids (mainly water)

• Pack your own drink bottle (for international flights make sure it’s empty when going through international security)

• Try not to have too much caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) as this could affect your sleep

• Know your destination.  Research the restaurants and supermarkets near your hotel. When you arrive you may like to visit a nearby supermarket so you have snacks available in your room.

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