Anyone have special tips for healthy travel?

[BeachbumAggie]

I'm off to work in another city for two weeks. I gained more than a bit of weight in my two weeks in Florida from lots of good food. I've knocked off a couple of pounds but have 8 to go! I'm heading out of town today for a two week stint and I need to do good while there.

A couple of problems when I travel: 1) my stomach seems to think that anytime I travel, I'm on vacation and I want to eat junk, 2) I'll be eating out every day since I'm just in a hotel room, 3) I'll be having meals with friends and family and since I've not seen these folks in a while, each meal out seems like a celebration and again, my stomach thinks that means to eat!

I'm packing plenty of water, I've packed protein bars for breakfast and most lunches and I'll be hitting the gym daily. Does anyone have any tricks or menu tips other than grilled chicken and salad?

 

[GoodWitch58]

Have you considered one of those hotels that has the kitchen...or at least a microwave, so you could have a good breakfast? I find that if I eat a good solid breakfast, then I am able to cut 'way back on the other meals. OTOH, if you have a kitchen/microwave, it may invite junk food into your room LOL.

One thing that seems to work for a colleague of mine: she bought "small portion" plates and uses them everywhere...then, only eats what fits on those plates. I will find out where she got them--they are very attractive and make a small meal more appealing. http://theportionplate.com/
I bet you will do fine if you get to the gym every night/morning.

Good luck.

 

[Franny]

I agree with Glenda, a good breakfast is the best way to go. On vacation we always have a large breakfast and I can usually skip lunch or a small lunch is fine. Have funn!

 

[ktschris]

I'm off to work in another city for two weeks. I gained more than a bit of weight in my two weeks in Florida from lots of good food. I've knocked off a couple of pounds but have 8 to go! I'm heading out of town today for a two week stint and I need to do good while there.


A couple of problems when I travel: 1) my stomach seems to think that anytime I travel, I'm on vacation and I want to eat junk, 2) I'll be eating out every day since I'm just in a hotel room, 3) I'll be having meals with friends and family and since I've not seen these folks in a while, each meal out seems like a celebration and again, my stomach thinks that means to eat!

I'm packing plenty of water, I've packed protein bars for breakfast and most lunches and I'll be hitting the gym daily. Does anyone have any tricks or menu tips other than grilled chicken and salad?

Most hotels have free cont. breakfast now where you can get fresh fruit, oatmeal and yogurts. Try to eat a filling breakfast...as it sets your pace for the whole day.

Try to avoid carbs. They will do you in every time.
Skip sauces. A small cut steak (under 6 oz) or piece of fish is ok...just no sauce. Switch the baked potato for the fresh veggies of the day. If it comes with a salad....vinager and oil on the side...to "dress" it up ask for fresh crumbled blue cheese. And my biggest weekness....pass on the bread.

If you are going to be having cocktails....try a white wine spritzer (not sweet soda) it's half the amount of alcohol and if you are like me....when I start drinking....my defenses come down.

Hope this helps...

Now if I could only practice what I preach....

 

[Beach Runner]

BeachbumAggie, I hear ya. I am so tired of grilled chicken salads with dressing on the side. Last week my doctor asked me what I was eating each meal. I started out by telling him raw oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. He told me that is too many carbs, and that I should eat Egg-Beaters for breakfast and minimize the carbs. Basically he told me to start the South Beach diet. He told me to eat chicken, turkey, fish, and lots of vegetables.

When dining out, most places don't serve vegetables. We thought we were doing well going to Longhorn and having the Chicken Sierra and substituting all veggies for the rice and veggies. I wondered why the broccoli tastes so good. A waitress there who is a friend of our daughter told us that the veggies are loaded with butter.

Even when one orders salmon or some other fish, it's typically loaded with butter. So I really don't know what to order at a restaurant that is not loaded with carbs and grease other than a grilled chicken salad.

We're coming to SoWal soon, and I've been looking online at menus of different restaurants. I'm not sure what I can order that's low-carb and not full of buttery sauces. A Pizza Bar Farmer's Market pizza and just eat the toppings? Salmon without butter and veggies without the sauce at Borago? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm not cooking -- it's a vacation before I start back to work.

So I feel your pain, BeachbumAggie.

 

[scooterbug44]

When I travel I either bring a cooler or request a room with a fridge - that allows me to bring yogurt, juice, carrots, cheese, and to go boxes from restaurants etc.

If you room has a microwave, I think the South Beach oatmeal (not instant oatmeal) is a great healthy way to start the day. I was traveling with Mama Scooterbug when she was on that diet (which meant I was too for shared meals) and I lost a couple pounds eating that.

The portion sizes and healthy substitutes is also key. Ordering an appetizer instead of an entree for dinner, sauce/dressing on the side, and substituting vegetables and brown rice for carbo heavy sides adds up.

And just because you are traveling doesn't mean no exercise - that trips up lots of people - take the stairs when you don't have luggage, use the pool/gym etc.

 

[miznotebook]

I know this is heresy, but I do better either skipping breakfast or eating something very light and then eating a big lunch. Then just a small bowl of soup or salad for supper.

 

[BeachbumAggie]

Well, I just got home, week one I worked out twice daily for 75-90 minutes total daily and did atkins bfast and lunch daily and a healthy dinner with 1 small ice cream. Hubby came to town for the weekend and the healthy eating went downhill. Week two diet stayed good with workout and breakfast and lunch thru Wed but not so great at dinner. By yesterday I was exhausted so exercise went away and I had Mexican food for lunch and supper so clearly not really diet friendly! Back on the wagon tomorrow. Not my best healthy behavior but not my worst. I really do best when I'm home in a regular schedule with my own kitchen!