[bandit2]

Hi:

Going away for 3 nights to Ottawa this Thurs with bf.
Any tips for staying OP would be greatly appreciated.

Will take some 2 Pt Bars, fruit & white wine for room.

Need tips, thanks.

[lalala]

I'm on the go alot. Are you staying in a hotel? If so, if it has a gym, utilize it! Call your hotel ahead of time to figure out what fitness facilties they have. For example, I was booked in a hotel in London without a gym, found one with one and changed my booking. Its important to me.

Buy your own water, its expensive in hotels. As for wine, I'm not sure, I don't drink a lot, but it may save you from attacking the minibar, go for it.

Going out to eat? Have a clear soup or a soup that isn't cream based as a starter. Worked great for me on my last trip!

Doing car travel? Make sure you pack something that will keep you occupied food wise- don't want to stop at tim hortons too often .

Flying? If its a meal flight and you actually get fed, request a low fat meal. If its not and your airport concessions are awful as they are in Seattle, pack a non-perishable snack or lunch (peanut butter sammy, carrots, luna bars) to resist the urge for a nice
huge burger and fries.

If its not deathly cold, walk where you would usually catch a cab or bus, you'll love seeing the city at a slower pace.

Have fun!

lala

[bandit2]

Lala:

Great tips! We are going on the train & I will take some things for the ride.

I didn't even think of gym clothes - thanks. I always take my bathing suit but a work-out will definately be good for both of us.

I thought on Friday we could walk to a grocery & get some things for in the room (point friendly snacks & some fruit)

There is a winter carnival going on with skating on the canal and other outdoor activities so there is no reason not to get in some exercise.

Anyway, thanks again & bye for now

[Sweater Girl]

Hmmm, Ottawa is a fairly health conscious city compared to many others. Right downtown you get your lion share's of subways, pita places and oriental eateries. If you go East on Rideau street there's a Loeb and a Loblaws grocery store, if you go along Elgin there's a small grocery store with extremely high prices (and the food quality isn't the best). If you're staying near Bank Street there's an ok grocery store at the corner of Bank and Somerset.

Bring your breakfast fixings usually helps keep the points down.

The rideau centre's food court has some yummy eateries.

I think in Most restaurants you can get a good deal of healthy foods.. Kind of like most cities... My problem is having the discipline to eat the good stuff.

Do have a beavertail on the canal though There's really nothing more Canadian than that (to all those concerned, a beavertail is fried batter, kind of like a doughnut, but it's flat, no beavers are actually harmed in the process). You're lucky, last year the canal barely froze!! This year the amount of skaters is huge. Have fun at Winterlude.

[bandit2]

Sweater girl:

Thanks for the info - haven't been to Ottawa in years & am really looking forward to it. We are going on the train & bf ordered the "low fat" meals for us - so hopefully that will be OK. I am taking some 2 Pt bars & melba toast & will buy some fruit when we get there. And can always order salad & small appetizer if I can stay focussed. Also, getting some club soda for my wine.

Will have to save some points for a "beavertail"

Also, taking some gym clothes & bathing suit. I think it will be fun on the canal.

Thanks again girls, for the tips.