How to be healthy when you travel?

Personally, if I know that I'm going to a restaurant, I'll go online and check calories and sodium before I go so that I know what I want to order before I even get there. MFP has a database too to check. Also, don't be afraid to be that guy who asks for all sauces on the side, extra veggies etc- good luck

Many restaurants will prepare food as you want it - without extra oil, grease, butter, etc. order grilled chicken and steamed veggies without any toppings. Ask for BBQ sauce on the side to dip it in. Get plain baked potatoes with salsa on the side. Order side salads with dressing on the side.

And definitely take advantage of workout facilities and walking as much as you can. And drink LOTS of water.

If the hotel had a fitness room, use it.
Read the menus very carefully, fill up with a salad first, dressing on the side and just dip your folk into the dressing, that way you get the taste but not the calories.
Soup is a good choice, but not if it's made with cream.
Watch the booze! It's very easy to order a drink with your meal & than an other.
Try to do as much walking as you can.

I think all the advice given so far is excellent. I would also recommend downloading the MFP mobile app. There are many restaurant foods loaded in the database and it can help you to make better choices when you eat out. Just because it's a salad doesn't mean that its low cal knowing what the nutrition info is helps. I've also started researching the menus online of the restaurants that I know I'll be eating at so that I can preplan what I will be ordering.

One last thing, if it is a company meeting normally they will ask if you have any special dietary restrictions. I would let them know that you do have dietary restrictions.

I have been on several vacations since I started using MFP and watching calories... like everyone else said try and see if the restaurant has an online menu you can look at beforehand with nutrition content listed.

Basically, just use common sense. Don't order things with cheese sauces, cream dishes...etc. Portion control and everything in moderation are my two mottos :bigsmile:

Have a great time!

When I travel I make sure there is a refrigerator in the hotel room I'm staying at. Then, if close enough, I walk to the grocery story and get vital foods that will help me stay healthy--fruit, veggies, water, nuts. Whenever you get the chance to do exercise--take it! Walking to places helps. If the hotel has a cardio room or pool use them! Hope this helps!

Karrie

Jean,

That's a very good idea. The items we eat at home can now be set aside and replaced with those we don't eat that often. We already know what's high in caloric value, the point I'm making is to keep the course. Here's an example of trying new foods we don't normally use.

The best to all.

Bob

Some great trips you have there. I have been traveling a bit lately also and eating healthy is always very hard (especially when you are on a business trip and may have to do meals with clients etc). But just monitor portions and you should be good. Have a good breakfast. I try to take some protein bars or nuts for snacks. If you get salads, then get dressing on the side. Ask for sauce on sides (if possible) and grilled or baked is better then deep fried. Try to order some healthy vegetables for your sides and if possible try to get in a workout during your travels. Just try your best and if it is hard, then don't be so hard on yourself. You can start again once you get back to routine. Good luck.

I've been traveling 50% of my time for the last few months, and celiac disease, which means I need to be gluten free ALL THE TIME...not easy to do reliably when other people are preparing your food. It's no picnic but having a hotel room with at least a fridge and a microwave (which...actually I have not used yet) has been an absolute MUST.

I usually travel alone so it's easy to hit the grocery store and buy food for breakfast in my room (free hotel breakfasts rarely include healthy foods) and to pack a lunch for work the next day. I usually hit the local dollar store for some cheap "tupperware" a cutting board and a knife that I won't feel bad about tossing at the end of the trip....that allows me to make salads from my room. If I get really lazy, I buy salads from Panera or Applebees to go and then doctor them up in my hotel room with more green stuff and additional toppings that make me smile. (Panera salads are okay on their own once in a while but as a general rule I feel that they are overpriced and not nearly green enough to constitute a good standalone meal.)

I do eat dinner out most nights, but I try not to worry too much about what I'm eating at dinner....especially if I've had a salad for breakfast and lunch. I still stick to basics, grilled meat with veggies...I've learned that while salad usually sounds good for dinner too that I need more substance in at least one of my meals, so I try to keep the salad based meals to only two a day.

When I'm not traveling alone, I still so most of this, but on a more limited scale. It's not practical to pack my lunch when the team is planning to go out for lunch, but I can still arrange a "breakfast salad" for myself that I know is healthy and do the best I can at lunch and dinner with my coworkers.

Happy trails!