Top 5 holiday food tips for anyone with diabetes, following a low carb or keto diet or cutting back on sugar.

Whether you're heading off for a week in the sun, exploring a new city or enjoying a staycation, holidays should be about relaxing - not worrying about what you're going to eat.

The good news is that with a little planning, it's perfectly possible to enjoy your break without breaking your healthy eating goals.

If you’re new to low-carb dieting or simply feel like a refresh on what to look out for, here are our top five tips to help you stay on track on holiday.

1. Watch out for ‘healthy’ breakfast buffets

Hotel breakfast buffets look amazing and are so tempting, but they can be a bit of a sugar minefield. Granolas, cereals, fruit juices, pastries and flavoured yoghurts often contain far more sugar than you might expect.

Instead, tuck into:

• Eggs cooked any way
• Plain Greek yoghurt
• Cheeses
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocados
• Smoked salmon
• Cold meats

These options are generally much lower in carbohydrates and help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

2. Be careful with sauces and dressings

One of the easiest ways hidden sugars sneak into your meal is through sauces.

Sweet chilli sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey mustard and many salad dressings can all be surprisingly high in sugar.

A better option is to ask for:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Aioli
• Garlic butter
• Lemon juice

They're often lower in sugar and let the main ingredients do the talking.

3. Build your meals around protein and vegetables

When eating out, try to think about the main part of your meal first.

Choose foods such as:

• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Fish
• Seafood
• Burgers (without the bun)
• Omelettes

Then swap chips, rice or bread for extra vegetables or a side salad where possible.

4. Don't get caught out by holiday drinks

Cocktails, fruit juices and soft drinks can quickly add up in sugar.

Some better choices include:

• Water (still or sparkling)
• Diet or zero-sugar soft drinks
• Unsweetened iced tea
• Coffee
• Tea

If you're drinking alcohol, dry wines and spirits with sugar-free mixers are generally lower in carbohydrates than sugary cocktails or alcopops. If you have diabetes, always follow the advice of your healthcare professional regarding alcohol, as it can affect blood glucose levels.

5. Always carry a low-carb snack

Sightseeing, delayed flights and long journeys don't always happen around meal times. Having something suitable in your bag means you're far less likely to end up grabbing whatever's available and falling off the wagon due to having no alternative.

Good options to have on you include:

• Mixed nuts
• Cheese portions
• Beef jerky
• Olives
• Seeds
• Nut butter sachets

A little preparation can make all the difference.

Don't Forget Breakfast

Breakfast can often be the trickiest meal when you're travelling, especially if your hotel options are limited.

That's why we recommend popping a bag of Go-low Glorious Granola into your suitcase before you set off. Packed with delicious crunchy clusters and available in Original and Peanut Butter, it's the perfect low-carb, low-sugar breakfast whether you're staying in a hotel, apartment or villa.

Simply enjoy it with yoghurt, milk or your favourite dairy-free alternative, sprinkle it over a smoothy bowl or even nibble it straight from the bag as a satisfying snack.

Wherever your travels take you, you'll know breakfast is sorted.

Have a fantastic summer and wherever you go, take Go-low Glorious Granola with you. We’d love to see the shots of how far around the world it can be enjoyed! 😊