Need low cal ideas for my conference in Chicago! Help!

beinggood
beinggood Posts: 36
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Going to Chicago for a week conference, and I am so worried I will over-indulge and have an unwanted setback. Anyone have advice on where to go, what to eat while I'm in Chicago? Thanks!!!!

Replies

  • srpm
    srpm Posts: 275 Member
    If they are feeding you--banquet style meals at conferences are usually high in fat and carbs and low in protein & other essential nutrients. If they have a good breakfast set up make sure you start your day right, get some protein and fruit when you can! When I'm at those sorts of events if they have oranges or bananas or other easily-transportable fruit at breakfast I try to take a couple of extra pieces to have on hand for snacks or if lunch or dinner is super unhealthy. Also, pack some healthy snacks like pretzels or granola bars to have in your room so that you aren't left with no choice but to eat the unhealthy stuff.
  • kristina0206
    kristina0206 Posts: 57
    Check out a restaurant called Protein Bar, there are 2 locations downtown. Amazing.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,251 Member
    I go to a lot of conferences. I always pack my own snacks: protein bars, nuts etc and I avoid their break food at all costs.
    If they are serving breakfast head for the eggs.
    If they serve lunch eat lots of salad and maybe the protein, but know that hotel/conference food is going to be even higher in sodium than restaurant food.

    If you're eating out, order nice salads!
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    I travel a good deal for work and do a few conferences a year. Honestly even with conference food it isn't that hard to stay on track. My biggest tips for you:

    1. PORTION CONTROL. First and foremost whether you are at home or at a conference.

    2. Try and eat breakfast on your own, depending. Many conferences just offer a continental breakfast of nothing more than muffins and pastries. Others have a full on buffet. If just pastries are offered, start the day with a good healthy breakfast elsewhere.

    3. Avoid the food at coffee breaks and afternoon refreshment breaks. It is usually cookies or baked goods or other high cal stuff. Eat a big enough breakfast to carry you through to lunch.
  • jen7eleven
    jen7eleven Posts: 83 Member
    Check out a restaurant called Protein Bar, there are 2 locations downtown. Amazing.

    Yes the Protein Bar is great, and is fairly priced for being in downtown.

    If you will be in the downtown area, there is a deli chain called Mac Kelleys. They have self-serve salad bar where you can get lots of fresh fruit and veggies.

    It really depends on what area you will be staying in. The ultimate goal will be watching your portions. Also the weather forecast is fairly clear so just try to walk where and when you can.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories