I can't be the only one with this problem......

Tonight I am stopping in a hotel for the evening due to work commitments. It's something I need to do a few times a month, so nothing new there. Tonight there was good food, and a live jazz band. My problem is the usual pub dinner followed by (typically) 3 pints of beer. The result is it trashes my calorie intake and I end up feeling like crap. Tonight I even took work into the bar in an effort to keep myself away from the beer. It kept me busy till 9:30, and that was it. How do other people deal with the tedium of dining on your own of an evening without going overboard??? Thanks in anticipation for anyone's comments!!

Replies

  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    Leave the pub. Are you staying overnight? If so, just take your work to the room where it's far more effort to order a pint. Plus, if you have work to do, the room is probably a better choice of location than the pub.
  • It's tough! My husband is in a hotel 4+ nights per week, and eating out comes with it of course!
    Here's what I suggest to my husband.

    1. Pack some high-protein travel-easy snacks. I send raw or dry roasted and unsalted nuts and dried fruit trail mix. I make 1/2 cup serving size baggies. Also apples travel well. Bananas don't travel well, hubby always leaves his goodies in his car overnight and the next morning the bananas are black.

    2. Eat a light lunch, a quick salad or protein shake.

    3. Eat an early dinner (5pm or so).

    4. Don't drink beer during the week. Save it as a "treat" for your weekend. We do 5 days on healthy eating, and 2 days to splurge.

    5. Hubby does sometimes get a mini bottle or two of whiskey and have a whiskey and water in his hotel room, or at the hotel bar even. approx 72 calories in 1 shot compared to .... well ... you know how full of calories good beer is!
  • danibu98
    danibu98 Posts: 281 Member
    My diary is open to friends so friend me if you'd like, but I'm a road warrior in the beer and wine business- I try really hard to keep everything in check but sometimes I have to make strange choices to stay within my calorie range and still be a working beverage professional :) So far so good, but it's not easy (and also how I got this heavy to begin with, but that is changing!)
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    Yes, you are all right, I guess it comes down to choices again!!! Notes to self:

    Plan ahead
    Find something healthier on the menu
    Go to bed earlier
    Plan a recovery strategy afterwards

    Thanks!!
  • davebardsley56
    davebardsley56 Posts: 1 Member
    I also travel with work. I try to choose a hotel with a pool or a gym. I allow myself a nice meal & a beer or two as a treat if I put in the laps of the pool or effort in the gym. If you can't get a hotel with a gym, is going out locally for a run an option?
  • metacognition
    metacognition Posts: 626 Member
    If I dine at a buffet, I'm screwed. There is simply too much good food and lots of empty plates. I will overdo it, guaranteed.

    If I eat at a restaurant, I can do it. Just compare your hand size for portion sizes (4 oz meat = palm of your hand, curled fist = 1 cup ).

    Separate that portion from your dinner plate with a fork, so you know exactly how much to eat.
    Save the rest in a take out box = free food for later!

    I don't drink, so I have no idea how to cut back on liquor, sorry. Maybe they have light alternatives? You can eat smaller meals early in the day to make room for the extra calories.
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    The idea of a hotel with a pool is great! I enjoy swimming, but loath running with a passion. My wife runs, as do a lot of our friends so it's not as if I don't get the opportunity!

    Separating out portion sizes is also a great thought. At least it then becomes easier to visualise what is going in.

    Thanks for your help!
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    Switch to liquor. Do not operate heavy machinery.