My favorite thing to do in the whole world is Travel. Traveling has only one down side in my mind – You can’t always have access to good organic & nutritious foods. Or can you?

I really don’t mind the airport waits, the long flights, or packing and unpacking. What I really don’t like is when I haven’t prepared and I get caught with my food babe pants down and have to eat something really dead. Not animal dead, but nutritionally dead. We are very fortunate to have access to so many wonderful living plant foods 24/7 here in Charlotte – but NOT like when you are in the St. Thomas Airport and they won’t let you leave after clearing customs you end up eating at their nutritionally void cafeteria – unless you take precautions!

Here’s my top travel must dos – This is a several part series, because I travel a lot and have lots of tricks up my sleeve!

PART 1 – The TOP 10 ideas on what to pack before you leave for the airport….

10. Pack small bags of organic quick cooking rolled oats, cinnamon, and raisins – they have hot water all most anywhere – instant and satisfying meal anytime of day, not just for breakfast. You can even leave out the raisins and add walnuts and cut up an apple to mix in or anything you like.

9. Buy little packs of dried organic green powder – my choice is Spriulina – it’s got a ton of chlorophyll and algae to keep you alkaline throughout your travels – mix with a carton of coconut water for a quick hydrating treat. This is nice when you don’t have access to a lot of green vegetables.

8. Chia seeds contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids, help keep your body stay hydrated and contain a bunch of fiber – Take an unopened bag with you on a trip and store in hotel minibar – add seeds to yogurt, salads, or drinks (When they mix with water they expand like gel and make your drink thicker) Make little baggies of them and take them with you and put in your pocket or purse before you go out for the day.

7. Pack a few apples, lemons and cayenne pepper – these can go a long way after a long flight. Use the lemon and pepper to detox your liver first thing in the morning by mixing it with hot water. The apples have a quick boost of fiber and keep hunger at bay until you can find your first meal upon arrival.

6. “Justin’s Organic Almond Butter” in single serve packages is amazing – just open and squeeze into your mouth or on a whole wheat cracker.

5. Buy a travel blender (Cuisinart makes a good one) and pack protein powder – Ask the hotel for fresh veggies and fruit each morning or whenever for a quick healthy meal to make in your hotel room.

4. I like to take organic cereal like “Optimum Natures Path” and make little pre made baggies portioned out for something to snack on – If you are like me, you probably get a little case of the munchies while traveling.

3. Pack Homemade trail mix – Carob Chips, Almonds and Raisins can last forever in your suitcase and can be a real pick me up.  Carry some organic dates, prunes, unsalted walnuts and unsalted cashews – the same kind of ingredients in a “Lara Bar” but more natural and less packaging…

Amazing & Giant Dates in Spain – La Boqueria on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. We ate at least one every day were were there!

2. *Always bring your first meal with you in the air – this is super easy, it’s like packing your lunch for work, but you are just doing it for the plane ride. Some of my favorite options are hummus sandwiches on sprouted wheat tortillas packed with organic greens, yogurt for breakfast (if you mix it with fruit in a small cup before hand, TSA won’t catch you with the liquid!), Use one of your oatmeal packages and ask for hot water at Starbucks (it’s free!). an assortment of raw veggies (think carrots, celery, peppers, brocoli), organic string cheese, or an avocado (yes, just eat it plain! It’s got a ton of fiber and fat to keep you full and avoid the snack cart)

*Food Babe Tip – When packing your food for the plane ride…. don’t use foil, it will set off the alarms in the xray machine and you’ll be late for your flight!

1. PACK A COOLER! Yes – check in a cooler. The possibilities are endless with a cooler, homemade frozen soups can play double duty as ice and meals, bring your own organic veggies, homemade hummus, goodies from health food stores you can’t easily get at a local supermarket, etc…. When I had to travel every week for work, I’d spend a little time on Sunday preparing my cooler – it didn’t take that much time and it was super rewarding to eat home cooked food for lunch or dinner on the road. As soon as I would get to the office I would unpack my cooler in the breakroom and I’d have homemade snacks and food for the next 3 days! While everyone was eating Subway or Salsaritas (loaded with preservatives, fat, sodium, etc), I was having hot tomato white bean soup and marinaded kale salad. (Don’t worry, I will share the recipes for those soon)

My Blue Cooler full of delicious goodness for a sailboat trip last Summer in St. Barts!