We’re thrilled to partner with soccer champion Carli Lloyd to talk all things food, fitness and fun. We recently quizzed the athlete on her top travel tips, how she and her teammates prepare for being on the road and what they pack. Read more about Carli’s day-to-day healthy eating opens in a new tab, her top tips on workout nutrition opens in a new tab and how she approaches healthy snacks and sleep opens in a new tab.
Are they any particular foods you bring with you from home when you travel?
I usually bring some Kind* bars, because they’re an easy snack to have. We often travel with a couple of trunks full of food as a team, and sometimes we have our own chef with us to prepare healthy foods.
I typically don’t roll in with a bag full of apples or oranges, though. It gets a little too crazy to travel with that and the border might stop me! Most of the time, our fitness coach will shop for food, and we have a recovery room with snacks in there. She typically gets healthy food for us to snack on, but every now and again throws some chocolate in there!
What kind of food does the team bring in that it might not be able to source locally?
We’ll have oatmeal, snacks and bars.
Do you get to venture out on your own when you’re traveling for tournaments?
Ultimately, it depends where we are, but we usually have some free time to venture out. It’s tricky, because you want to be conscious of not being on your feet too much. Sometimes we do some team activity before the tournament starts and maybe even a little sightseeing.
Are there other kinds of “survival kit” items you’ll bring?
I always travel with earplugs, because I’m a light sleeper. An eye mask for the plane. The usual: my headphones, iPod, laptop and other electronics. A few good books. My vitamins. Candle for my room. My friends at Whole Foods Market have me covered: I will pick up my favorite trail mix and some dried fruit for plane snacks. I will also pack my go-to cleansing facial wipes to use on the plane.
What’s the most unexpected item in your carry-on or suitcase?
One pair of my [soccer] boots in my carry-on just in case our team cleat bags get lost!
What are some of the more unusual things your teammates will bring?
Some people still bring stuffed animals! Some will travel with their pillows, because you never know how hotel pillows are. We have a bin full of games that the team travels with – electronic games, card games, board games. But for the most part everyone travels with the usual essentials.
Many thanks to Carli for the great insights she’s shared on her fitness, wellness and travel routines! For more great travel tips from a swimming champion, find out what Kirsty Coventry’s travel essentials opens in a new tabare (hint—coffee and gummy bears are on her must-have list!).
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*Carli is sponsored by Kind bars.
