Must haves for traveling (flying) while on a weight loss journey

peacekeace

Hey y'all!

What are your must have tools/products/foods when traveling? I am going on a mini vacation next week and I want to stay on track as much as possible. I will be flying and spending a good amount of (layover) time in the airport. From my understanding, I will have access to a refrigerator in my hotel. A microwave is a possibility. The rest of the itinerary is up in the air (I didn't plan this trip; just going along) so I would appreciate as many low maintenance options as possible.

Thanks!

trigden1991

With travelling I find its best to try and stick to your main meals and avoid snacks (as typically the calorie content of the meals will be higher). I also make sure to pre-plan which restaurant outlets have foods that best fit my macro and calorie needs.

You will always find lower calorie food or can adapt the food to suit your needs (don't eat the bun from a burger, order salads without high calorie dressings, order side vegetables instead of fries).

spzjlb

I travel a lot. My strategies include:
- Exercise every day. It helps with jet lag and while on vacation, take the time to do a longer work out than usual. I like to run when I travel, since it gives me an opportunity to see the area, which is nice when I am on business travel and don't have time to be a tourist.
- Walk or bike as much as possible as you are sightseeing or shopping.
- I bring my own food for the plane in disposable containers. Last week, I brought plain yogurt mixed with fresh berries and muesli on an early flight (security didn't blink an eye - it must be sufficiently solid for them). Sometimes I will bring a salad, boiled eggs, sliced veggies or, if I have no extra room in my bag, I'll make a small sandwich. Then, I am not tempted by airport/plane food.[
- I rarely eat breakfast at restaurants, especially if I have a hotel with fridge. I make my own coffee (or buy a good one) and find good quality protein bars (I bring homemade ones if that is possible) or my own muesli, fresh fruit, and yogurt. I also bring my own favorite protein powder if I feel that I need some help with my macros (protein is usually low for me).
- I have only one official sit-down restaurant meal per day and find something much lighter for the others. I never eat fast food - it's just never been a part of my lifestyle - so when I go out to eat, it's usually a very nice place with lots of options.
- Like @trigden1991 said, use tricks like not eating the bun from a burger (or just eat the bottom half), eat more salads/veggies instead of fries, etc.
- I love my wine, but that's easy to limit if you are eating out. Just order by the glass so you can limit to one (or two).
- Finally - LOG EVERYTHING, even if you have to estimate. That will help keep your head in the game. I went to an all-inclusive resort a few years ago when I was in my losing phase. It was painful, but I truly logged everything. I also exercised intensely every morning and did lots of activities, such as water aerobics, archery and salsa dancing. That week did not set me back at all and, if nothing else, I proved to myself that I was really dedicated to losing my excess weight. I have been maintaining for 16 months, but I still do all of these things.
Enjoy your holiday!!!

Azdak

Protein bars. Not only a reasonably healthy snack, good to have when no food on plane. Packed a dozen on our trip to Guatemala last week. Lifesaver.

nowine4me

Every airport I've been to in the last year has had healthy options like fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, salads, etc. drinks tons of water when flying and avoid the bar. For the hotel stay, load up on fruit, oatmeal, protein bars, cottage cheese, etc. when eating out, protein and veggies. Try to enjoy Local and seasonal foods. Walk lots and have fun.