Seniors on the go, who squeeze sightseeing and shopping into their hectic travel and vacation schedules, leave little time for balanced meals. This lack of time, coupled with unfamiliar surroundings and overindulgence in local cuisine, can skewer healthy eating habits. It takes a lot of planning and effort to maintain a healthy diet, but it can be done if you make it part of your regular travel routine.

Eating healthy on the road takes a little effort, but your body will love you for it. It’s important not to skip breakfast. A healthy breakfast helps boost your energy and control your appetite for the day. Breakfast menu items such as muffins, cereal and juice are good for starting off the day.

When you’re dining out, be choosy about restaurants. Check menus for heart-healthy meals before you sit down. Family-style restaurants usually offer nutritional items such as salads and steamed veggies. Something as simple as green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, beans and whole wheat bread are usually on the menus of hash houses. Avoid fast-food establishments, which primarily serve high-cholesterol fare.

Above all, order healthy food that’s good for you. Go for lean meats, or fish or chicken with salad, vegetables and fruit.

You can always pack a light snack to take along. Keep spoil-free foods in your carry-on bag. This way you’ll be less tempted to eat calorie-laden edibles that may be the only food available.

Airline fare is notoriously lacking in nutrition. Most people accustomed to traveling will take their own food along. Drink plenty of water to energize and hydrate your body.

Even though your schedule may be tight, it’s still possible to mind your health by making the right menu choices a priority in your life.