Eating healthy can be challenging when you are at home going about your everyday routine. Add in all the variables that come with travel, and it is no wonder many people have trouble sticking to their normal eating habits on the road. When you are trying to travel light, it can be even more difficult. However, it is not impossible. 

You can pack light and still eat healthily. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right foot. 

Pick  Core Go-To Products That Pack Well

Having a core list of times that you can pack when you go away is an incredibly helpful way to avoid derailing your healthy meals while traveling. Everything on this list should be lightweight, shelf-stable, nutritious and packable. Some examples include:

• Natural, no-sugar-added granola

• Dried fruits and vegetables

• Whole grain cracker packs

• Nuts

• Hydration tabs or powder

• Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives

When you can take your favorite foods along with you on the road, you are much more likely to stick with your normal eating habits. However, there is a caveat to this system. If your favorite meal is chicken marsala, that won't necessarily end well. If, on the other hand, you enjoy eating oatmeal with raisins and nuts each morning, you have a better chance of success.

Think Outside the Box for Quick Meals

Getting stuck in a rut of always eating similar meals is far too easy. That is especially true if you religiously stick to your go-to list. However, sometimes thinking outside the box — or, in this case, off the plate — is an excellent way to ensure you get balanced nutrition in a lightweight, convenient package. 

Smoothies are a perfect example of this practice. Blend a handful of berries, some milk and a scoop of red superfood powder for a balanced meal that travels well. Dried fruit, nuts and jerky are also great ways to boost nutrition in a convenient format. Sure, you are skipping the full-meal experience, but you can also eat on the go and get all the necessary nutrition while using readily available ingredients. 

Choose Lightweight Alternatives To Everyday Favorites

Many foods have lightweight alternatives that can be stashed in a backpack or carry-on bag. For example, if you are a fan of carrot sticks, you might consider purchasing dehydrated carrot chips instead. Dried berries are another great way to get all the antioxidant benefits of whole fruit without the excess water weight of fresh ones. 

This concept goes far beyond fresh fruits and vegetables. Things like dehydrated milk and eggs are available in many stores. If you want complete meals, head to a camping store for meal packets that only need water. 

Research Where To Shop at Your Destination

If you know ahead of time where to shop for food and ingredients at your destination, you'll be way ahead of the curve when you arrive. Look for places like grocery stores and farmers' markets to get the best value if you want to cook on your own. However, if you prefer to eat out, you'll also want to have a few healthy restaurants picked out. This can help you avoid sitting down only to find out there is nothing you would normally eat on the menu. 

Packing light and still eating healthily is possible. Stocking up on lightweight favorites like nuts, dried fruits, and veggies is a great start. Knowing where to shop for groceries or stop to eat at your destination can also help. Thinking outside of the box on non-traditional meal options is another great way to cut back on what you have to pack.