Eating Healthy While Traveling

True progress requires time and consistency  

As a flight attendant, I pretty much live life on the road… or should I say, in the sky.  I’m gone anywhere from 3 to 7 days at time without access to a stove, microwave, and full fridge.   As you know, sticking to any kind of meal plan is difficult when traveling but with these added obstacles, it’s even more challenging. 

I’m excited to share some of the meal prep hacks I’ve learned along the way!   At the very least, hopefully you’ll get a few cool ideas for your next trip! 

Use travel size shampoo bottles to store liquids 

Do you ever want to bring things with you like almond milk, salsa, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing etc. but can’t fit the entire bottle?  Well, problem solved!  Pour your liquid items into shampoo containers so they take up less space! 

Single serving items are your best friend 

Single serving items are perfect for traveling.  They’re small and easy to pack, plus you can toss as you go.  There’s no having to portion out what you need for each day, because it’s already done for you! 

My single serving staples: Protein Shake Packets, Justins Nut butters, Sabra Hummus, Wholly Guacamole, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa, and Starkist Tuna! 

Use Ziploc bags for everything 

Ditch all the Tupperware. I pack ONE piece of Tupperware in my food bag.  I store all of my prepped meals in Ziploc bags because it takes up less space.  I literally pack premade rice bowls, chicken, etc. in Ziploc bags.  Just make sure to double bag to avoid any leaks! I re-use the one piece of Tupperware I bring, and really only bring it so I have something to eat out of since I don’t always have access to plates and what not.  Speaking of, I do carry a travel size container of dish soap with me so I can wash my tupperware out. 

Dry Foods 

Dry foods are obviously great because you don’t have to worry about them spoiling.  Also, pack your dry foods and cold foods separately so you can save room in your cooler bag! 

My dry food staples: Laura Bars, Epic Bars, Nut Thin Gluten-Free Crackers, Low Sodium Nuts, Rice Cakes, Apples, Dried Fruit, Seasonings, Stevia Packets, Tea.  

Pack a bag full of plastic silverware so you can eat wherever, whenever.  

I use this 6-pack bag right now for my cold food and I love it but I’m definitely looking into getting the bigger bag, especially for my longer trips!

I hope this gave you a few good ideas! The major key here is, KEEP IT SIMPLE.  Pack items that are versatile.  For example- Rice Cakes!  You can have them plain, with peanut butter and jelly, with hummus, with cream cheese, or with lunch meat!  Pack as many things that you can use multiple ways so you don't get overwhelmed trying to pack a million things! 

I would love to hear some of your favorite meal prep hacks! Leave your ideas in the comments below! 

Happy Monday & Be Safe 

xoxo 

Ashley Nicole 

Becoming a Flight Attendant

Since embarking on this new journey, I've had several people ask me about my career as a flight attendant!  I figured I would share my story on how I even stumbled upon this gem of a life I'm now living.  I'm currently 26 and I feel like I've had quite a few "life experiences" already.  I worked in real estate for 5 years starting when I was only 19 years old, I have my degree in business marketing, I've been on a reality TV show,  I've been featured in national marketing campaigns, was Miss New Mexico World 2015, and I was Miss New Mexico USA 2017.  With all of that under my belt, it may come as a surprise when I say that becoming a flight attendant was BY FAR my most difficult endeavor.

I really can't pinpoint one specific thing that made me want to be a flight attendant.  Being a flight attendant was always something that was in the back of my mind growing up.  I traveled a lot with sports in high school and college, so I think just doing a decent amount of traveling really opened my eyes to making a career out of it.   In college specifically, when I was studying marketing, I really admired the company I now work for.  I knew for several years that one way or another I was going to work for this company.  What I didn't know however, was just how difficult it was going to be to land a job.

All in all, it took me two and a half years to a become flight attendant.  I repeat, TWO AND A HALF YEARS.  That is a heck of a lot of waiting!  I applied for the flight attendant position when they had an opening  in 2016.  I was so excited but then after months, and months, and months of not hearing a single word back, I figured I didn't get the job.  About 10 months after  I had applied, I moved to San Diego and got a job with a local TV station doing advertising and marketing.  I was just starting to get settled into a life out here when all of a sudden I got a voicemail saying, "Hello this is Bill and I was wondering if you were still interested in the flight attendant position you applied for?"  I thought it was a prank call!  For some reason, I ended up calling Bill back and sure enough, it was legit!  I said yes like I just received some elaborate marriage proposal!   I remember running around my apartment screaming with excitement!

After that phone call, I had to fill out some paperwork and wait a couple months for an over the phone interview.  I was so nervous for my first interview!  The first interview was pretty extensive.  It wasn't a breeze in the park by any means.  I had no idea if they liked me or not afterwards which usually isn't a good sign.  However a few weeks after that, I received a phone call saying that I was moving forward and to be on the look out for further instructions for the face to face interview.  Once again, I was left waiting.  I didn't hear anything for so long, I started to wonder if they forgot about me.  Finally, they called back and gave me a few days notice for a face to face interview in Dallas, Texas.

My interview in Dallas was a blast.  I'll never forget the feeling of walking into headquarters for the first time.  I felt like I had made it!  For some reason, I wasn't as nervous for the face to face interview.   I knew I had what it took to be a great flight attendant, and I knew how passionate I was about the brand.  I knew all I needed to do was be genuine.  I also truly believe that everything happens for a reason, so I was at peace knowing it would work out how it was suppose to.  They asked some pretty hard hitting questions, but I had prepared as much as possible and left feeling great! However... I didn't back hear right away, once again!

During the week of my 26th birthday, I received one of the best gifts!  I FINALLY got the word that I was HIRED for a dream job, with my dream company!!! It was contingent on me passing flight attendant training, but none the less, I got the job!

I like to think that this experience was a learning lesson for me.  Good things take TIME.  There is beauty in staying patient and staying hopeful.  I can't tell you how many times I could've lost hope, and honestly there were moments that I really wanted to but persistence, hard work, and dedication always pay off in the end.


This is just the beginning of my story.  It's actually a very small part of my journey to becoming a flight attendant but I just wanted to share it with you all because I know there are probably some people out there who are currently in my shoes, playing the waiting game!  Don't ever lose hope!

Espwa

xoxo,

Ashley Nicole