Copenhagen- Denmark

Do you ever have those moments that you pinch yourself to see if its real? That's what happened to  me this summer when I got a phone call from my husband asking me if I wanted to go to Denmark. His company was sending him abroad for a meeting so I got to tag along for a long weekend.

The only things I knew about Denmark before I left were:

• They are the happiest country in the world.
• They are the most organic country
• They have very low obesity rates

It was almost like Denmark was made for me! I was so excited to absorb their culture and see how everyday people live and eat a healthy life.

The food in Denmark was amazing!!! Each morning I usually had Greek yogurt with a Rhubarb compote and muesli. Fruit was rare but I had to share a photo of the big breakfast we got on the last day, it was amazing.

The cost of food in Denmark is extremely extremely high. From a health perspective this makes me realize that the population makes an investment in their food choices. Where in America we tend to gravitate towards cheap meals and low cost purchases. Its noted that Europeans actually spend 25% of their incomes on food, that's a lot! So the take away here is to make the investment in our food choices!

The people of Denmark ride bikes EVERYWHERE!!! Copenhagen had separate bike lanes and even separate bike traffic lights. They also have walking trails all over the place. Jason and I must have walked 10+ miles a day taking in all the sites, it was exhausting but that is a way of life here. So my take away is find tiny ways to live a more active life- take the stairs, park farther away, take a walk during a conference call etc.

Processed food in Denmark was extremely hard to come by. Even the 7-11 sold fresh croissants and danishes which is a favorite here for breakfast along with a coffee. Unlike here in the US where we eat a big breakfast of pancakes or bacon and eggs. Take away here is to lighten up  our breakfast and eat until your 80% full.

And the last big difference I noticed is that lunch was the big meal of the day and they ate slowly. This was such a new experience for my husband and I. We know we should eat slow but being in a culture that practices this, is truly life changing. So slow down you meal- use chopsticks or hold the fork in your opposite hand, and make lunch your biggest meal of the day.

Overall we had an amazing trip and the best recipe trick we learned was with Edamame. In Denmark they serve it with fresh lemon squeezed over top, instead of soy sauce. We were hesitant at first but were obsessed, its so refreshing and easy! We have made it twice already.

How to stay healthy while traveling

I travel a lot with work and its definitly a challenge to keep up my healthy routine. Here are a few travel tips that work for me.


1. Choose whole foods closest to their natural state (fruits, vegs, lean meats, eggs, whole grains etc)

2. Look for food with 5 ingredients or less (you can usually find pumpkin seeds at a gas station and they are a great snack)

3. I pack oatmeal preportioned in Ziploc bags with sliced almonds, date sugar, and raisins then add hot water from my coffee maker in the hotel room.
4. If you eat at the hotel for breakfast load up on fruit, and choose oatmeal or egg omelets with tons of veggies. Just ask the chef to cook it dry without oil or butter.

5. Snacks- I pack apples when I travel and trail mix but I also look for a local whole foods and try to pick up some items for my hotel room.

6. Lunch/Dinner- are more challenging but panera has great soups and salads, sushi, subway, grocery store salad bars, naked tacos/naked burittos at chipotle are great (organic too)

7. Drinks- I pack a glass water bottle to refill throughout the trip and pack a bottle of liquid stevia. A few drops sweeten anything (ice tea,coffee, hot tea etc) and it fits right in your laptop bag.

8. Use the pool or the hotel gym if you can. Last resort you can pack resistant bands.

**I have also been known to pack a jar of natural peanut butter and a loaf of bread but I didn't want you to think I was too crazy :)

As you can see its all about PLANNING! Map the location of your hotel and check ahead of time for local healthy vegetarian restaurants, a whole foods etc. Also pack as much as you can! I ususally pack breakfast and lunch, not only does it save money but also helps keep me on track.

What are your healthy travel tips?