How do you stick to your dietary plan when traveling for medical care?

My husband doesn't have any restrictions, but by staying at Gift of Life, or any similar type place, you can shop and cook our own food. This not only saves money but allows you to cook as you need to without having to find restaurants that will accommodate you. You also remove the temptations.

Blessings,
JoDee

I don't travel much, but when I do--I can always find someplace that has baked or grilled fish or chicken. French fries are always hard to stay away from when traveling. Sometimes I eat half, and have a little salad. Not always easy, but it can be done. If you can have a small bite or 2 of something you really like, without having the whole thing--that is always a plus. Best of luck to you!

My husband and I will share an order of fries quite often. Desserts are my downfall. If we get one we share that, too!

I agree, @jodeej. One dessert with two forks (or spoons) is the best way to eat dessert.

I have diet restrictions that seem to contradict each other. I will take snacks with me for the first 2 days that can be kept in a cooler type carrier. Fresh fruit is always a good option for me and some raw vegetables. When dining out there is always something, may not be what I really crave at that moment but it's an option that will work on my restricted diet. As the same that @jodeej stated, sweets are a downfall and a taste or two is enough for me. Flavored water goes a long ways towards quieting the craving for sweet things. Get out of the car and go for a walk, breathe deep, look at new sites; all of these will help change your focus!
Ginger

I pack my food and stay in AirBnBs when traveling so I can cook food that doesn't make me sick. When we have a long day at the hospital or driving to clinic (we live a 3 hour drive from the hospital where my doctors are located) I pack a lunch for both my husband and I. I often get nervous before my appointments so I am lucky that I eat/pack whatever sounds good just to get calories in.

While traveling in the car, I eat Arby's classic roast beef without the bun or anything, and also their potato cakes. When at the destination, I find a restaurant that is willing to accommodate my needs. Also, try to stay in a motel that has a refrigerator and microwave. Can make oatmeal, potato, probably scrambled eggs (though haven't tried those in microwave yet). It usually isn't too difficult to have a restaurant make you some scrambled eggs and a microwaved potato, or a plain burger, or a plain piece of fish. I have fructose malabsorption and lactose intolerance and can't eat fruit or sweets, dairy, or wheat.

I also take along some Trader Joe's chunk white chicken in water (it has no sugars) and Kettle Brand Kettle Chips unsalted. Also some Pompeian extra light tasting olive oil (to put on the oatmeal of in canned chicken hash I make in the motel), and some cinnamon (to put on the oatmeal and some thyme to put in the hash.

Great suggestions so far. I would love to be able to share a dessert with my husband but he never feels like desserts in restaurants, although at home I generally have to have something for him every night, like an apple turnover, or a Haagen Daaz ice cream bar.

I have learned the value of staying in VRBOs and Airbnbs. If anyone chooses to check them out my best advice would be to really read the reviews from past renters. We have had fabulous to really bad. The really bad one had no reviews but it sounded so ideal for what we needed that we took the chance. I have also stayed in Residence Inns. They have an included buffet breakfast but I find that there are enough things that are not exposed to airborne germs that it will work for me -- one of them made omelets to order, there's always bananas, yogurt, things of that nature. I have wondered about toast or bagels that you put in the toaster -- would that kill germs? -- but so far have not done that.

I do try to order things where sodium can be limited, never get soups, and sometimes bring along a little container of my own salad dressing because it is lower in sodium. I love a couple of Braswell dressings -- the Vidalia onion and the raspberry -- and although they do not make a claim on the label about being low sodium, they are. I always check salad dressing labels for sodium. I don't even bother with commercial soups anymore.

Flavored water is good to bring along, I like Hint a lot. Of course you cannot bring it into a restaurant. Also, make sure if you are dining in a restaurant and get water that they do not put any citrus slices in it. Those fruit are often not washed. I always specify NO LEMON OR LIME SLICE.

@lelia CL, you put olive oil on oatmeal? Sounds interesting. I generally have oatmeal a few times a week and a new variation would be great. Now I generally put some nuts in, cinnamon, and fruit. What do you put in with the olive oil? A savory preparation would be a nice change.
JK

These are all great tips regardless whether you're traveling for medical care or not! Got to love the Connect people and all of their hints.
Ginger