Attending a work Conference - tips?

sherri30170
sherri30170 Posts: 18 Member
in Motivation and Support
I will be flying out to a work conference in 2 weeks. What are your best tips for eating at a Conference? Most lunches are plated and served. Flexibility would be at breakfast, supper and any snacks. Ideas? I can't carry much over a few snacks with me.

Replies

  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,007 Member
    If the conference hotel has a gym, do a cardio workout in the mornings to earn some extra calories. When confronted with breakfast buffets in hotels, just remember to ask yourself occasionally "Am I really enjoying this?" If yes, by all means continue. But don't just mindlessly overeat mediocre food because it is plentiful and available. Keep some fruit and beef jerky in your handbag for snacks. For catered lunch and restaurant suppers with colleagues you'll just have to order wisely and exercise portion control.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    Is the conference going to be that long? Will it be in a decent hotel?

    Breakfast you will normally have access to porridge, eggs wholemeal toast and fruit. If you wnat poached or an omeltte then just ask them they cna only say no.Id be tempted by a bit of bacon and some sausage. You cna more or less preplan what you get.

    The plated dinners etc, then portion control up to you or just go for the healthier option. You could email them and ask for the menu in advance. they cna only say no. You should be able to identify the food that has more calories and then dishes that are considered healthier. Make a note of what you had if you want to enter it onto mFP or use the app.

    Of you load up on a good breakfast it should supply you with decent amount of energy which will prevent you being hungry and less tempted in the later meals. Your other alternative is o do a bit more cardio now to have some reseve calories for drinks treats etc or o take the edge off. Just use your common sense and dont worry.
  • DvrDawg
    DvrDawg Posts: 88 Member
    I know your pain Sherri, I am heading out on my first business trip since recommitting to my fitness regiment. I plan to take some protein bars for snacks. And, I will watch portions - the trick is definitely willpower. There will be big omelettes, pancakes, etc. On one evening, we always go out to a very nice restaurant with big portions and big prices. I always feel guilty if I order from an expensive place and don't eat everything. But, this time will be different - I have my portions in mind and intend to manage it this time. Also, I downloaded an app for my Ipad that has body weight workouts so, if I can't make the gym, I can do some level of fitness in my room after dinner.

    Good Luck - I think this type of thread would be helpful for business travelers. It is always hard to keep on track -especially if you are on the road a lot.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    I remember going to conferences and by the second day craving fruit and veggies because the vegetables the hotels serve are not like we make at home.
    Consider ordering extra sides of vegetables when you have that option.
    Watch out for the sugary high calorie snacks they put out during the coffee breaks. Perhaps pack some nuts or dried fruit in your suitcase for the coffee breaks.
  • sherri30170
    sherri30170 Posts: 18 Member
    acpgee wrote: »
    If the conference hotel has a gym, do a cardio workout in the mornings to earn some extra calories. When confronted with breakfast buffets in hotels, just remember to ask yourself occasionally "Am I really enjoying this?" If yes, by all means continue. But don't just mindlessly overeat mediocre food because it is plentiful and available. Keep some fruit and beef jerky in your handbag for snacks. For catered lunch and restaurant suppers with colleagues you'll just have to order wisely and exercise portion control.

    Hotel gym, now why didn't I think of that? Even a bit is better than none! Plus I am not staying at the Conference hotel, so I do at least have a block to walk back and forth every day. :) THANKS!
  • sherri30170
    sherri30170 Posts: 18 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    Is the conference going to be that long? Will it be in a decent hotel?

    Breakfast you will normally have access to porridge, eggs wholemeal toast and fruit. If you wnat poached or an omeltte then just ask them they cna only say no.Id be tempted by a bit of bacon and some sausage. You cna more or less preplan what you get.

    The plated dinners etc, then portion control up to you or just go for the healthier option. You could email them and ask for the menu in advance. they cna only say no. You should be able to identify the food that has more calories and then dishes that are considered healthier. Make a note of what you had if you want to enter it onto mFP or use the app.

    Of you load up on a good breakfast it should supply you with decent amount of energy which will prevent you being hungry and less tempted in the later meals. Your other alternative is o do a bit more cardio now to have some reseve calories for drinks treats etc or o take the edge off. Just use your common sense and dont worry.

    3 days with 1 day of traveling.
    So 3 Breakfast at Conference, 2 lunches, 1 night out with group for supper at a restaurant, Plus I will have to find/buy my own dinner on the traveling day and lunch probably at the airport leaving.

    Last year (same conference, different city) there were a few healthy snack options and lots of fruit at breakfast.
  • sherri30170
    sherri30170 Posts: 18 Member
    chgodvr wrote: »
    I know your pain Sherri, I am heading out on my first business trip since recommitting to my fitness regiment. I plan to take some protein bars for snacks. And, I will watch portions - the trick is definitely willpower. There will be big omelettes, pancakes, etc. On one evening, we always go out to a very nice restaurant with big portions and big prices. I always feel guilty if I order from an expensive place and don't eat everything. But, this time will be different - I have my portions in mind and intend to manage it this time. Also, I downloaded an app for my Ipad that has body weight workouts so, if I can't make the gym, I can do some level of fitness in my room after dinner.

    Good Luck - I think this type of thread would be helpful for business travelers. It is always hard to keep on track -especially if you are on the road a lot.

    I figure I will toss in a few snacks, but I'm currently able to grab something constantly if needed that is healthy. Portion control is a must! Yep, I will have at least one night out too. Thanks for the input!
  • sllm1
    sllm1 Posts: 2,130 Member
    I walk during the breaks and after I finish my lunch (it usually goes on longer than needed to actually eat). I also hit the treadmill in the evening.
  • sherri30170
    sherri30170 Posts: 18 Member
    My conference is next week. :#
    So far here is my plan
    • Walk to the conference (1 city block one way and back each day)
    • Pack a few 'good' snacks - pretzels, dried fruit, dry cereal
    • Look for healthy options at each meal!
    • Watch my portions
    • Utilize the hotel work out room

    Wish me luck!

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