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Why Food Should be the First Thing You Plan Around When Traveling

March 26, 2025 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

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Sure, it always starts with the usual checklist: flights, accommodations, and every tourist attraction that shows up in a quick search. It really doesn’t matter where you’re traveling to, be it somewhere in Thailand or any other part of the world. But somewhere in all that planning chaos, food usually gets treated like an afterthought. Well, for the average person, it gets treated like that, of course. For the most part, it’s just something to “grab” between the real activities. But if you think about it, food is the real activity. Everyone has to eat!

Besides, the best parts of a trip often aren’t the statues or souvenir shops. They’re the unexpected meals that made the whole day better. But overall, just planning around food isn’t just fun, it actually makes the entire travel experience smoother, more exciting, and yes, even healthier.

Food Says Everything About a Place

Want to understand a city fast? Well, just sit down and eat what the locals eat. No, really, go ahead! Just think about it; food is a direct line into the heart of a place. It tells stories about history, tradition, and what people value day to day. Pretty much; one bite can explain more than a thousand guidebook blurbs.

But it’s not just about going for whatever’s deep-fried and trending. Rather, eating well while traveling means finding those spots that offer real nourishment too, not just for the stomach, but for the soul. But overall, just trying new flavors, eating with intention, and finding balance between indulgent treats and fresh, wholesome meals is part of the fun.

Some of the Best Travel Memories Happen Around a Meal

The most memorable moments rarely happen while standing in line to take a photo. Sure, you have the memory of the photo, but the event surrounding the photo? Well, usually not (granted it depends). But instead, they show up in quiet cafés, busy night markets filled with street food, and restaurants tucked away in corners you didn’t expect. 

For example, that unexpected stop at a French restaurant in Bangkok? Well, something like that can turn into a slow, beautiful meal that still gets talked about years later. There really so many precious memories around food, around the chats around food, the atmosphere, and so on.

But how? Well, meals have a way of pulling people into the present. They make travelers sit still, take in their surroundings, and actually feel the city’s rhythm. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, instead, it’s the atmosphere, the music, the company, and the feeling of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the moment. All of these little things add up.

Eating Well Helps You Travel Better

So here’s something else to think about: a good trip isn’t just about sightseeing, sure, it’s a part of it, but it’s about feeling good while doing it. Fueling up on real, nutrient-packed meals instead of constant snacks and fast food can make a big difference. But overall, traveling doesn’t mean tossing healthy habits out the window. It just means finding smart ways to enjoy local food while still giving the body what it needs.For example, why not some fresh fruit in the morning ( this is usually what Thais eat for breakfast)? How about a colorful lunch, and maybe a local dish that’s been cooked with care? Well, it all helps with energy, mood, and making the most out of every day. But overall, being adventurous with food doesn’t have to mean being reckless with it.

This is a collaborative post.


Filed Under: Blog

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

Popular Posts

Salad with kale, chickpeas, and butternut squash.
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