Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it often presents challenges for sticking to your Carnivore Diet. Between airports, hotels, and unfamiliar restaurants, finding high-quality animal-based foods might seem difficult. However, with a little preparation and smart strategies, you can stay on track without compromising your health or your goals.
This guide is packed with practical tips to help you navigate airports, road trips, and dining out while keeping your Carnivore lifestyle intact. Let’s explore how you can maintain your commitment to the Carnivore Diet, no matter where your travels take you.
1. Plan Ahead: Preparation is Key
The key to staying Carnivore while traveling is preparation. With a little foresight, you can avoid being stuck without suitable food options.
What to Do Before You Leave:
- Pack Travel-Friendly Foods:
- Beef jerky (sugar-free, nitrate-free)
- Pork rinds
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Canned fish (sardines, tuna, or mackerel in olive oil)
- Pre-cooked burger patties or steak strips stored in a cooler
- Research Food Options:
- Look up nearby grocery stores, steakhouses, and BBQ joints at your destination.
- Check restaurant menus online for Carnivore-friendly options.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a small insulated cooler bag or thermos to carry pre-cooked meals or keep snacks fresh.
2. Navigating Airports and Flights
Airport food courts and in-flight meals can be challenging, but there are ways to stay Carnivore.
Tips for Airports:
- Look for steakhouses, burger joints, or BBQ places in the terminal.
- Order a plain burger (no bun) or grilled chicken breast.
- Bring your own snacks—airport security allows solid foods like jerky, eggs, and cheese.
Tips for Flights:
- Avoid airline meals, as they’re often carb-heavy and processed.
- Pack shelf-stable options like beef sticks, canned fish, or pre-cooked meats.
3. Road Trips Made Easy
Road trips offer more flexibility for Carnivore-friendly meals, but you’ll still need a plan.
What to Pack:
- Pre-cooked meats like grilled chicken thighs, steak strips, or ground beef patties.
- Small containers of butter, tallow, or ghee for added fats.
- Pork rinds and cheese slices for snacks.
Where to Eat:
- Stop at grocery stores instead of fast-food restaurants. Pick up deli meats, rotisserie chicken, or steaks to cook at your destination.
- BBQ restaurants or steakhouses along the route are great for fresh, hot meals.
4. Staying Carnivore in Hotels
Hotel stays can be tricky if you don’t have access to a kitchen, but there are workarounds.
Hotel Room Tips:
- Request a mini-fridge for storing meat, eggs, or snacks.
- Use a portable electric skillet or hot plate for cooking simple meals.
- Opt for microwave-friendly options like pre-cooked bacon or sausage.
Hotel Breakfasts:
- Skip the pastries and cereal. Instead, load up on scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon.
- If there’s an omelet station, ask for an all-meat omelet.
5. Dining Out as a Carnivore
Eating out doesn’t mean compromising your Carnivore Diet. Many restaurants offer options that can be customized to fit your needs.
What to Order:
- Steakhouses: Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon with no sides. Ask for extra butter.
- Burger Joints: Order a bunless burger with cheese, bacon, and eggs on top.
- Seafood Restaurants: Opt for grilled or broiled fish, shrimp, or scallops.
- BBQ Joints: Choose ribs, brisket, or pulled pork with no sauce.
Pro Tip:
Politely ask for substitutions or omissions (e.g., “No bread, no sides, just extra meat”).
6. Traveling Internationally on the Carnivore Diet
International travel adds another layer of complexity, but with the right approach, you can stay Carnivore-friendly.
Tips for International Travel:
- Research traditional dishes that are meat-based. For example, Korean BBQ, Argentinian asado, or Italian bistecca alla fiorentina.
- Learn how to say “no bread,” “no sides,” or “plain meat” in the local language.
- Visit local butcher shops or markets for fresh, high-quality meats.
7. Emergency Backups
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might find yourself without Carnivore-friendly options. Be prepared for these situations:
Emergency Options:
- Fast food: Order bunless burgers or grilled chicken.
- Grocery stores: Grab deli meats, smoked salmon, or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Convenience stores: Look for hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or beef jerky.
Pro Tip:
Always carry snacks in your bag to avoid relying on less optimal choices.
Sample Carnivore Travel Day Menu
- Breakfast: Hard-boiled eggs and beef jerky before heading out.
- Lunch: Grilled ribeye steak from a steakhouse or BBQ joint.
- Snack: Pork rinds or a can of sardines while on the move.
- Dinner: Rotisserie chicken from a local grocery store.
Closing Thoughts
Traveling doesn’t have to disrupt your Carnivore Diet. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy your trip while staying true to your health goals. By packing the right foods, knowing where to eat, and having emergency options ready, you can maintain your commitment to this lifestyle wherever your adventures take you.
Remember, the Carnivore Diet is about simplicity, and that principle applies to travel as well. Stay prepared, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey without compromising your health.
