My Anti-Inflammatory Staples for Travel 

I don’t travel often–frankly, I rarely drive more than 10 miles from home–so flying across the country without my kids feels like a big deal! 

This weekend is a special one. I’ll be celebrating big milestones for two of my brilliant and inspiring friends who are functional medicine pioneers. I’ll then be with The Being Collective food styling team to shoot recipes for the end of 2025, plus a podcast cover (!) and then heading to Austin for a podcast interview. 

Whenever I travel, especially when I have intense days stacked up, I rely on a list of essentials that help support my energy and brain health. Monday and Tuesday will be long shoot days and if history repeats itself, I’ll be drinking one too many matchas to keep up!

In today’s newsletter I wanted to share what I’m packing to support my health and energy on this trip. Whether you’re planning your own travel soon or just need quick, nutrient-dense ideas for life in between sports drop-off, I hope this gives you some helpful inspiration.

Lastly, thank you so much for being here. My team and I have been going full speed this past month, getting ready for the podcast launch and building out other exciting things to help you support your health. It’s been intense but truly such an honor to be able to do this work. None of it would be possible without you. 

Since I’m sharing a number of products I want to be clear that this is not a sponsored post. But I also want to be 100% transparent about any financial ties. I have affiliate codes for WeNatal (I don’t earn any commission–just a discount for you), Be Well By Kelly and Just Ingredients. I’m a medical advisor and investor in WeNatal. 

Supplements & Powders I’m Packing

I don’t always pack all of my supplements for trips but I absolutely stick with the essentials. These include: 

+WeNatal For Her

This is the prenatal that I take everyday, especially postpartum to support nutrient repletion, energy and mitochondria, hormone health and cognitive function. It’s incredibly well-formulated, covering everything from B vitamins and methylated folate to adequate choline and minerals—without unnecessary fillers. As a medical advisor and co-formulator, I stand by the fact that no other prenatal on the market compares in terms of both quality and convenience (just three capsules a day).

+Omega 3s

Omega 3s are another supplement that I take everyday. These essential fats help reduce systemic inflammation, support brain and heart health, improve mood regulation, and are key for hormone balance—especially in perimenopause. Deficiencies are incredibly common, even if you eat fish regularly

+Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium is my nightly non-negotiable. It’s essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those that regulate stress response, muscle recovery, and sleep quality. I take magnesium glycinate specifically because it’s well-absorbed and doesn’t cause GI upset.

+BeeKeeper’s Naturals Brain Fuel

I don’t use this daily, but it’s my secret weapon on travel days or during podcast shoots. It contains bacopa monnieri and other adaptogens that help improve focus, mental clarity, and sustained energy without overstimulating the nervous system.

+Creatine by Klean Athlete

Creatine supports cognitive function, muscle energy, and cellular regeneration. It’s particularly helpful for women as we age, since it also protects brain health. I mix it with water and amino acids using a handheld frother (that I pack too). 

+Essential Aminos Lemon Powder by Be Well by Kelly

I mix one scoop of Aminos (use code BRIGID) with one scoop of creatine in the morning to help support brain health and muscle. Amino acids are critical building blocks for lean muscle and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

+Matcha by Pique

I haven’t drank coffee in more than 10 years but I drink 1-2 cups of matcha per day (and 3-4 cups on shoot days) which has about ? of the caffeine content as a cup of coffee. I love how matcha makes me feel–no jitters or extra adrenaline rush like I get from coffee which is largely due to the l-theanine that matcha naturally contains. 

Matcha contains about one-third the caffeine of coffee but delivers a calm, sustained energy because it has L-theanine, which promotes mental alertness and focus without the cortisol spike. Most days I drink 1-2 cups but on long shoot days, I’ll have 3–4 cups.

+Vanilla Protein Powder

I also pack a bag of protein powder in my suitcase to have on hand. Protein is critical for stabilizing blood sugar, supporting muscle mass, and reducing cravings. If I can fit it in my suitcase, I also bring a shaker bottle. Here is the brand I’m packing (use code BEINGBRIGID). 

+Electrolyte Packets

Hydration is more than just water—it’s about minerals too. I bring LMNT packets to replenish sodium, potassium, and magnesium, especially when flying or sweating more than usual. These help reduce fatigue, prevent headaches, and support optimal hydration. I also pack my own Yeti waterbottle to limit microplastic as much as possible. 

Anti-Inflammatory Snacks I’m Packing 

+Ellas Flats

These seed-based crackers are a fiber and omega-3 powerhouse. They’re packed with anti-inflammatory flaxseeds and sesame seeds that help support gut health, hormone balance, and blood sugar regulation. 

+Dry roasted edamame 

High in plant-based protein and fiber, edamame is the perfect crunchy snack that makes you feel satiated. It also has phytoestrogens that can support hormone balance. They’re also rich in magnesium which helps calm the nervous system.

+Dry roasted nuts 

I typically do a homemade mix of dry roasted nuts in a stasher bag. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are rich in monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and keep you full. They also help buffer blood sugar spikes when paired with fruit or carbs.

+Perfect Bars 

While not perfect (hello, sugar), I do love most of the ingredients in Perfect Bars and their protein-fat-fiber profile to sustain energy without crashes. They are also pretty satiating for a bar. Because they are higher in added sugar, I typically eat half and then save the other half in the package in my bag for the following day. 

+Mini Cooler for Snacks

I pack a small cooler for snacks that I can add to my carry on. My friend told me about PackIt which has the icepacks in the actual zipper and is designed for bringing snacks on the road. 

+Hard boiled eggs 

I pack hard boiled eggs as an easy snack that also helps me get more protein and feel satiated and less likely to mindlessly snack. Eggs are also rich in choline for brain health, B vitamins for energy metabolism, and high-quality protein to stabilize blood sugar and support muscle repair.

+Avocado 

A great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber. Avocados are incredibly satiating and support hormone production, brain health, and reduced inflammation. I will pack a full avocado in a stasher bag that is already cut in half so that I can eat one half at a time. 

+Cheese sticks 

A portable source of protein and fat that helps keep you full and stabilizes blood sugar. Look for organic or grass-fed options for better omega-3 and CLA content.

+Apples 

Apples pair well with protein/fat-rich snacks like nuts or cheese. They are an easy way to get a source of whole food carbohydrates plus fiber and polyphenols, which feed beneficial gut bacteria.

I hope these travel essentials serve as inspiration for you to bring products or snacks that help you stay on track with feeling good, having energy and supporting your health on the road!