Eating Healthy in a Hotel Room

FaunalFantasy
FaunalFantasy Posts: 47 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I recently took a job that requires me to live in a hotel 10 days out of every 14. In order to a) stay healthy, and b) use as little of my per diem as possible, I need to avoid eating out. I will have access to a hot plate, and this particular hotel has a mini fridge and a microwave. I will not be near a supermarket, so I will have to truck in my food from home in a cooler. Any idea what I could make for dinner? So far, everything that has come to mind has been carb heavy (mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, etc.).

The good news is that the new job requires me to be on my feet all day, outside, doing some active work, so I will be burning more calories than usual. Maybe 800kcals more?

Replies

  • TimeForMe99
    TimeForMe99 Posts: 309
    Welcome to my world! I spent 140 days last year in hotels.

    With a hot plate and a microwave you can make just about anything. Boneless chicken, chops, steak, stir fry, eggs. Is there anywhere nearby where you can set up a small outdoor grill? This could be a very communal event, maybe a once weekly BYO-Meat dinner.

    Pack along salad fixings and fresh vegetables such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, and onions. You don't need to refrigerate potatoes or most fruits so you'll save on space in the cooler and fridge. Deli meats are easy to pack and will last the full five days. Canned tuna and pre-cooked chicken are easy to add to just about anything.

    Finally, check the restaurants in the area and pick some good choices for take-out or eat-in. You may not have the energy to cook every night or you may want to dine with co-workers.
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    You can also cook your meat at home and bring it with you - reheat in microwave and done. Bring veggies and make big salads topped with chicken (or whatever you like). It's going to take a lot of advanced planning, but you can do it.

    What about making a big pot of soup at home, portioning it out and reheating on the hot plate/microwave? You could make a very complete meal type of soup or stew and eat it for lunch or dinner each day.

    You can bring bread/wraps and have sandwiches - quick and easy.

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