Stress is one of the reasons that you’d want to get a second helping of that delectable chocolate cake, a bag of chips and maybe a burger or two. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can avoid when traveling, especially during the holiday seasons. With flights being delayed, layovers piling up one on top of another, and long, exhausting road trips, your nerves and frustration will surely shoot to the roof.

Food is often considered a panacea. But giving in to your mindless cravings can spell good news for your body and your overall trip. You could get sick along the way, or gain a few extra pounds, which is probably worse than having a stomach bug. To this end, keep a lid on your need to munch when the going gets tough.

Do not skip meals

Not having breakfast is not an excuse for you to eat a huge lunch. The same thing is true when you skip lunch and make the most of supper. But this is exactly what you would end up doing, if you don’t follow your usual meal schedules. So make sure that you eat consistently and with just the right amount of calories.

Stay hydrated

This is probably not the first time that you have heard about the wonders of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. The more you need to stay hydrated when you are travelling or feeling hungry. You need to tell your hypothalamus that you are not thirsty or hungry, so you don’t end up pigging out. So down a tall glass of water when cravings start to kick in, or a cup of decaffeinated tea.

Know what makes you stress out and then eat

You know your body more than anyone else, so identify which triggers stress and causes you to raid the fridge or munch on sweets and a bag of chips. Doing so will help you prepare for those moments when nerves take control. If you are anxious about flying, for example, bring a bag of healthy snacks that can help you relax.