Whether it be a day trip, a few days, or more than a month l eating and exercising healthy can be a challenge. This thread is to share tips or frustrations about traveling and maintaining healthy choices.
I got back from a two day trip yesterday. Two simple things that saved me were my jump rope and a bag of apples.
I found it difficult to jog or walk even though our hotel had a gym. Since I brought along my jump rope I was able to enjoy exercising any time I wanted.
One day during the trip we were stuck waiting.. The only thing available to eat at that location was food from a convenience store. Then I remembered the apples I had packed. One apple was satisfying enough to hold me over until later in the afternoon when our choices got better.
Apples and jump ropes. Don't leave home without them.
When travelling I just wish more places would switch to whole wheat breads and pastas...I think that would make it a lot easier.
Since we have two small kids who won't sit for more than 10 mintues we do a lot of fast food...I'm liking the "lighter" menu choices and salads. When they give the packets of salad dressing instead of dumping it on the salad I pour a puddle in the bowl lid and dip my fork before taking a bite...then I have dressing on each bite and eat about half as much dressing as I would have.
Love the jump rope idea...its my "new" exercise and its a real workout! I can barely go five minutes at a time and if I didn't trip up so much I wouldn't even make it that far! I love a hotel with a pool...we get our money's worth out of that!
You pay about double compared to the grocery store but a lot of places like 7-11 have fresh fruit and veg in the sandwich section.
Which reminds me...we often will hit a grocery store for lunch...whole wheat rolls and deli meat, yogurt, fruit...and have a picnic or eat on the go in the car. You can only go to McDonalds so many times really. And if the hotel has a mini fridge you can grab some milk and cereal to avoid having to eat out in the mornings.
Ryevita are one of my favourite bring alongs from home since we all like them. Baby carrots travel not too badly. Nuts travel very well and are a good snack.
And buy a thermos! Our $10 thermos has probably saved us $100 in milk since we don't have to buy it in small containers every time we stop (kids still drink a lot of milk).
Oh and Subway is good since you pick what you want on things, there are lots of veggies and you can ask for extra and they have whole wheat options. You can also make any sandwich a wrap or salad.
DH used to rodeo so we've spent a bit of time on the road. The worst part of travelling is everything is SO processed.
Funny you mention jump-roping ... I just grabbed mine recently and I must say, MamaHippo, five minutes with one is an accomplishment! I was just doing it this morning, alternating jumping rope and hula-hooping in my garage.
I have the same struggles with healthy choices and traveling. I do a lot of dried fruit, water, crackers, and nuts; and try to get salads whenever possible (minus the croutons). When I eat at restaurants, I often choose a Thai place because of the great vegetable choices. I also often ask which dishes have the most vegetables in them, and ask if I can substitute a vegetable for a grain. Sometimes you can get a whole-wheat replacement - Olive Garden offers whole-wheat pasta if you ask.
In my former career I traveled a lot and until the last couple of years managed to maintain my weight.
I love the jump rope idea! Walking isn't always possible, depending on the location of the hotel. I carried resistance bands and yoga DVDs (because I was traveling for business always had a laptop computer).
My trips typically lasted from 5 to 10 days so I generally stayed at hotels with refrigerators and microwave ovens. Many other hotels will provide a refrigerator if you ask (is best to do so when making your reservation, then confirm a day or so before your arrival). Even better are the "suite" hotels with mini-kitchens. I always made sure to find a local grocery store and go shopping. I wasn't always able to control every meal (had to dine with clients frequently), but having my own food made it possible to control most of my meals and snacks.
My work days were very long and at the worksite usually didn't have access to a refrigerator. Good snacks are nuts (I prefer almonds), wholegrain crackers, vegetables like red bell pepper strips and baby carrots, fruits like apples. Many of you have mentioned them and they keep well for a day or so without refrigeration. And they don't get smooshed or destroyed in a purse or bag.
A small insulated bag is helpful; you can fold it flat for traveling then use it for snacks and such when you arrive. It helps protect more delicate foods such as bananas and grapes. Can also add cheese to eat with the crackers.
Funny you mention jump-roping ... I just grabbed mine recently and I must say, MamaHippo, five minutes with one is an accomplishment!
Oh but before you say that you must understand that to this point 10 consecutive jumps is my record! So every 10 jumps or less involves untangling the rope from my legs, my clothes, my hair, my children...
But I gotta say its a lot more fun and challenging than the elliptical trainer!
My goal for tomorrow is 20 consecutive jumps in my 5 minute session...
Ultimately I plan to look like a fighter in training!
Casey, when I first started jumping once upon a time I could barely jump ten times consecutively. Then one day I found myself able to do 100. Much later to my amazement I topped just over 200 (speed jumping). That is my record. Well it has been so long now I can make only 80 and have to push myself to 100. Can you hear my scream when I miss at 98 or 99????!!!!!!
I agree the mini frig at the hotel is a life saver!
Phantastica, funny you should mention carrying nuts. Sometimes I carry walnuts or almonds and am not hesitant to put them on a salad at a restaurant. I’d carry olive oil if it weren’t such a pain. Luckily many more restaurants serve olive oil. Even Cracker Barrel does now.
Traveling Mediterranean
