News
An Interview With Nomadic Dietician Laura Gajda
Meet the inspiring Laura Gajda, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, who believes in a “weight-inclusive, anti-diet” approach. Her philosophy? All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle. She champions eating habits that fuel both body and mind without restrictions.
“Many influencers out there tote a diet before going on vacation or talk about dieting as a "lifestyle change,” when they are very restrictive and unsustainable methods of nutrition.”
Travel and Nutrition
As a passionate traveler, Laura combines her love for exploring new cultures with innovative nutrition solutions, “I have noticed that being a nomad has made me think of easy, cheap, and available meals and I love helping others figure that out as well.”
“There is not one perfect way of eating. Therefore, being culturally sensitive to others' eating habits, foods and traditions, is vital in this line of work.”
Common Traveler Nutrition Mistakes (And Solutions)
Mistake #1: Inconsistent eating patterns
Laura’s Tip: Get into the swing of a breakfast, lunch and dinner routine, even if the timings are different than usual.
Mistake #2: Not fueling your body
Laura’s Tip: Always pack snacks, like granola or protein bars from home, so you have something to hand in case of long waits or lack of access to food.
“I often talk to people about how their body is like a machine, if you don’t supply it with fuel, you're not going to get far on E”
Meal Planning Tips for Traveling
Laura recommends doing a little research into the local food scene to prepare ahead. “In Japan, it is very common to go to the 7-Eleven and have lunch or breakfast. However, in France, it is typical to have a croissant for breakfast. In Latin America, eating a full breakfast of eggs, toast, beans, rice, and tortillas might be common, or a Coke with a donut”
She also suggests getting familiar with the grocery stores early on. “Go to the grocery store in your first 1-2 days to look at the options and go for the basics. Breakfast is an easy meal to have at home as there are some universal foods out there you can find such as eggs. Just take inventory of what cooking supplies you have available and check you have access to a kitchen.”
Nutrition and Mental Well-Being
Good nutrition is a key part of self-care.
“One of my favorite nutrition nerd topics is talking about the importance of carbs for our brain. If we restrict or limit [carbs] then we can actually be inhibiting our serotonin levels (our happy neurotransmitter). Carbohydrates allow for tryptophan to go to our brain which is a precursor to make serotonin. When people tell me that bread makes them happy, it is literally true!”
Travel-friendly snacks
Nut butter sandwiches (Please note you’re only allowed a 3 oz jar of nut butter on a plane, otherwise you will have to throw it out)
Granola bars
Homemade trail mix
Fruit leather
Protein bars
Follow Laura on Instagram, or visit her website, where she’s accepting new clients.
