Eating Healthy While Traveling and Living in Vietnam: A Guide for a Fulfilling Two-Month Journey

Travelling to Vietnam is an exciting adventure filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and an abundance of delicious cuisine.

Nancy Tran
3 min readJul 18, 2023
Photo by Rowan Heuvel on Unsplash

Travelling to Vietnam is a fantastic trip packed with lively culture, magnificent scenery, and, of course, a plethora of delectable cuisine. On the other hand, maintaining a nutritious diet while on the road might be challenging at times. This blog article reviews ideas for eating well throughout my two-month stay in Vietnam and vital vitamins to help you stay healthy.

Embrace Vietnamese Cuisine:

Fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and tasty meals distinguish Vietnamese cuisine. To maintain a healthy diet, take advantage of the local culinary gems. Choose Pho (a light broth-based noodle soup), fresh spring rolls stuffed with veggies and herbs, and grilled meats or shellfish. Vietnamese food is frequently light and balanced, making it an ideal option for health-conscious visitors.

Prioritize Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Vietnam has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit local markets to get a wide variety of colourful produce. Consume fruits such as dragon fruit, mangoes, and papayas on a regular basis. In addition, try meals like Goi (Vietnamese salads) that include a range of veggies and herbs. These nutrient-dense foods will supply you with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Opt for Steamed and Grilled Foods:

Choose steamed, boiled, or grilled foods over fried or deep-fried alternatives while dining out. Vietnamese cuisine has a variety of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Grilled foods like com tam (broken rice with grilled meat) or bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) may be enjoyed without jeopardizing your healthy living commitment.

Mindful Portions and Hydration:

While enjoying the different flavours of Vietnamese cuisine, keep portion proportions in mind. Because Vietnamese dinners sometimes include many dishes, choose smaller amounts and prioritize quality over quantity. Furthermore, staying hydrated is critical, particularly in Vietnam’s tropical environment. Carry a reusable water bottle with you, and strive to drink at least 2–3 litres of water every day to stay hydrated and improve your general well-being.

Vegetarian options are yummy if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City. There are endless healthy choices with their exotic fruit cold-press juices. Gyms are accessible everywhere in the city.

Essential Supplements to Consider:

While Vietnam offers a plethora of fresh and nutritious foods, it’s wise to bring along some essential supplements to ensure you meet your daily nutritional needs. Here are a few supplements worth considering:

a. Probiotics: Traveling can disrupt your gut health. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy digestive system, especially when you live in a different country and are not used to food and water.

b. Multivitamins: A high-quality multivitamin can serve as an insurance policy, providing you with essential vitamins and minerals.

c. Vitamin C: Boost your immune system by supplementing with vitamin C, especially during long journeys or busy days.

d. Electrolytes: In hot climates, electrolytes can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat.

e. Melatonin: I use it for jet lag to reset my body’s internal clock for the new time zone. It’s generally recommended to take melatonin about 30 minutes to an hour before your desired bedtime, aligning it with the local time of your destination.

Conclusion:

Travelling and living in Vietnam for two months provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in a lively culture while sampling delicious food. You can maintain a balanced and healthy diet by embracing the local food scene, favouring fresh fruits and vegetables, and choosing better cooking techniques. Remember to eat mindfully, remain hydrated, and consider carrying important vitamins with you to promote your general well-being. Take in the sights of Vietnam while nurturing your body and spirit. Bon appétit!

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You have reached the end, and thanks for reading. Stay healthy!

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