Family Travel Tip: Eat Yogurt

My oldest daughter went on a school trip this past Spring with her seventh grade class to the nether reaches of Central America. It was more than a little unnerving to have her leave the nest and travel so far afield. While some moms found comfort packing anti-malerial medications, bottles of Cipro, and topical antibiotics into their offspring’s luggage, I plied mine with handfuls of probiotics and strict instructions to “eat a lot of yogurt.”

Loading up on yogurt when traveling has been standard operating procedure ever since my husband and I started hauling our crew around the globe when they were little. The “good” bacteria in high quality yogurt, kefir and probiotic drinks can be a powerful tool for staving off tummy troubles. Indeed, keeping the gut healthy is essential in a strong immune system.

When it comes to choosing a yogurt, I’m not talking about the varieties with more sugar and artificial colors than anything else. Cartoon characters and colored sprinkles aren’t as likely to offer much on the nutrition front. Look for ones with less “kid appeal” that boast high levels of bacteria on the label. The words “live” and “active” cultures are good indicators of quality yogurt here in the US.

For the record, my daughter returned safe and sound, without a single bout of “traveler’s tummy.” She was only too delighted to report to her “mother, the nutritionist” how much Coca Cola they all slurpled down during the trip. “We couldn’t drink the water, mom.”

Comments

06.10.2011 at3:25 AM #

Regan of The Professional Palate

Just found your blog through the Nutrition Blog Network and love it! Beautiful and full of good info!

06.10.2011 at3:25 AM #

Katie Morford

Glad you found us. Thank you.

06.10.2011 at3:25 AM #

Katie Morford

I appreciate that. Glad you found me.

06.10.2011 at8:00 AM #

Leslie

Katie — I love the new look of your blog!!!

06.10.2011 at8:00 AM #

Katie Morford

Thank You!

06.14.2011 at10:47 AM #

Portia

I am thrilled to see this advice because my toddler LOVES yogurt. In fact, when he won’t eat anything else, I find I can at least get him to eat his “gurt” (his words). I even pack it in our cooler when we are taking road trips. I’ve been feeding him YoBaby organic yogurt since he was about six months old (he’s now 19 months) and I am curious if you think this is still too sugary and if I should switch him over to plain Greek with some added fruit.

06.14.2011 at10:47 AM #

Katie Morford

There is still a fair amount of sugar in there. You are better off buyiıng plaiın and sweetening it yourself with honey or agave or fresh fruit. You can also blend half plain into a sweetened yogurt.

04.04.2013 at7:03 AM #

yunah

totally agree! i also gave theo probiotics& told him to eat yogurt& he came back w/o a problem.
i didn’t hear about the coke at all…

04.04.2013 at7:03 AM #

Katie Morford

Selective disclosure…

04.04.2013 at7:07 AM #

Anne Mullen

I totally agree about yogurt and probiotics when traveling. Travelers’ Tummy can really ruin a trip, so staving it off is a must. Add a Steri-Pen to treat almost any water you’ll meet, and your set for any trip.

04.04.2013 at4:31 PM #

Robin

And while this has nothing to do with yogurt and travel, I just discovered how completely simple it is to make it at home–no sugar involved.

04.04.2013 at4:31 PM #

Katie Morford

Do tell…what’s your technique?

04.09.2013 at3:00 PM #

aida mollenkamp

Katie – I totally agree with you on the yogurt thing – I ate a bunch in India and it really helped so much!

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