Plane ticket...check
Passport...check
Uber booked...check
Now what to pack???

What an opportunity, I’m going international doing what I love most - Nutrition and Fitness!

Next week sees me jetting off on an all expenses paid trip to Singapore! Where chewing gum is illegal in all public places... Now there's a thought!

Now while a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles is a must do, there are a few essential tricks I have up my sleeve to make sure I maintain my healthy lifestyle...while sneaking in a couple of cheeky cocktails, of course!

Anyone who knows me knows I practice what I preach! So if you want to arrive at your destination relaxed and fresh, and don't want to find yourself forgetting you’re health goals then read on...

Preparation is key.
It is clear that flying at a high altitude in an airtight container increases the chances of a range of health issues to arise. Here are a few I’d like to discuss:

1. Dehydration
The solution: drink loads of water! I always take herbal tea with me on board, this allows me to annoy the air attendant the entire flight (just kidding), and increases my water intake whilst flying. This also decreases my chances of getting off the flight feeling sluggish, helps reduce inflammation in my body and ensures I move more throughout the flight, as I am back and forth to the bathroom, which brings us to the next tip...

2. Confinement for long period of time:
This can lead to a decrease in circulation, deep vein thrombosis, cramps and lowered blood pressure.

Solution: Keep moving! Stretch, walk around, and be that person who stands up and reaches down to their toes and straight back up again. Let people look at you, it may just encourage them to do the same. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes or simply take your shoes off and put on your favorite wooly socks.

3. Recycled air:
Did you know approximately 50% of air on the plan is most likely to be recycled… ewwwww!!! This means you want to give your immune system a big giant boost before, during and after your flight.

Solution: Pack nutritious dense snacks for the plane

Nuts
Vegetable sticks - I like carrots, celery and capsicum (the more colorful the better!)
Fruit - any, they’re all loaded with antioxidants and delicious so why wouldn’t you?
Popcorn (no, not microwave popcorn) air-popped maybe with a drizzle of olive oil, coconut oil and salt = trust me it’s a specialty of mine
Herbal teas: peppermint, chamomile, cinnamon, lemon and ginger, detox or any of your favorites
Instant oats (Uncle Toby’s have portion-sized packets which are easy to take traveling and keep with you whilst you’re away especially if you’re time poor and in need of a good breakfast before a long meeting or day of adventure!
Now that you have arrived at your destination...

Snack it up!

Now that you've landed in your destination you're going to need some snacks to get you through those action packed days, and save you from wanting to eat dinner from the guys selling deep fried donuts on the street!

As I am a massive foodie I love love love a good food market. The first thing I do when I get to a new destination is:

1. Find a grocery store if its night time or
2. Ask where the local market is
There is always a market around; you just need to find it…

Raw candy…Fruit
We all know fresh is always best, I always carry a little pocket knife in my suitcase as fruit from some parts of the world contain nasty bacteria that can cause Hepatitis A or gastro. I avoid this by simply peeling off the skin or buying fruit that requires you to have to peel it, for example bananas and oranges.

Coconuts about coconuts
Coconuts are the newest rage, they are absolutely everywhere and make for the perfect treat as not only will the refreshing juice keep you hydrated, but also the sweet flesh makes for a nutritious and extremely delicious snack when on the go.

Any kind of nuts! Really, any kind!
Nuts are available at any market stall, 7Eleven or grocery store.

Lastly - Keep active
Pack your runners and that cute little gym outfit you don’t wear much in your hometown, but need to test it out. Now is your time to shine!

Walk and explore on foot
Swim in the resort pool or ocean
Hire a bike and ride around
or simply use the hotel gym

Stay tuned for Singapore Sling Part 2 where you can follow my daily adventures, meet talented and inspirational yogis, foodies and be updated with my nutritional workshop, spinning rides and recipes created for 7cycle health food café.

Love CR

xx