What To Think About If You’re Traveling with PCOS (now PMOS)
It’s finally summer — which means a lot of us might be traveling a little more. Managing PCOS (now called PMOS) can be tricky even when you stay at home, but if you add in hectic schedules, packing, and odd meal times on top of that, you might end up feeling extra symptoms that come along with the condition. Naturally, travel can take a lot out of a person!
Good preparation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. While you’re booking transportation, hotels, Airbnbs, and making reservations at restaurants in your destination, keep in mind what your personal needs are as well so PCOS doesn’t end up making your trip uncomfortable. Here are some good things to remember while you prep for your trip:
Bring meds & supplements
I always recommend taking a few days extra in case travel ends up taking longer than anticipated. Bring your meds in carry on luggage — you don’t want to be stuck en route without it! f you take inositol, I recommend buying capsules (Wholesome Story or individual packets by Theralogix), so it’s easy to transport.
Consider the length of your trip.
Are you going on a long car ride, train journey, or flight? Fortifying your body with what it needs is key!
Focus on hydration and high protein/fiber in particular because these things can help with bloating, irregularity, and energy.
Continue to eat regularly (every 3-6 hours). Meals and snacks may be smaller or time between meals may be longer due to less movement.
Try to walk when possible. Plan times to walk for at least 10+ minutes.
If you have the space, try to forego the expensive (and not that tasty) airport or gas station food by packing high protein and high fiber snacks.
Naturally, some of the items below might not be practical to keep in a carry-on bag for a flight, so pick and choose the best ones for you! If you’re going on a road trip or have space, pack your favorite snacks for the road. I recommend:
Individually packed nuts
Popcorn
Pea snacks
Dried bean packs
Rice cakes
Seaweed snacks
“That’s It” Fruit bars
Low sugar oatmeal packs (which you can make with clean hot water, if available)
Protein bars: KIND, Rx, Nature Valley protein, simply protein, etc.
Of course, if you have other favorites that are possibly high protein or high fiber, I recommend going with those as well — whatever will make your trip more bearable and meal planning easy!
Safe travels out there!
If you’re learning to manage your PCOS (PMOS) or have any nutritional goal, reach out to me for an appointment!