Travel Tips

6 Simple Strategies to Stay on Pace

Today I am in downtown Indianapolis. (The Indy 500 is almost here!) It’s actually been really fun! I work from the hotel room, visit the fitness center, eat at the breakfast bar, and search for good coffee (the hotel is lacking in this area). For those of us who are working on our health, travel can be a huge pitfall. Shifted routines, time in the car, and less eating at home make it hard to keep up with our healthy habits. Here are a few things you can do to support your pursuit of healthy while you travel!

1. Pack healthy snacks. Car rides can be long…and sometimes boring. And for me, boredom often leads to snacking. So plan ahead and pack some healthy snacks. I packed trail mix (pre-measured), cucumbers, protein balls (recipe to come!), pretzels, and apples. Pre-measuring is key because it can be easy to eat more than you realize. And pick some things with crunch to keep you alert while you drive.
2. Stay in your eating schedule as much as possible. Exploring until late at night when you are starving or skipping breakfast can lead to overeating later. Keep your eating pattern as normal as possible so you feel satisfied.
3. Get active. Can’t get your run in? Walk to dinner, do a pilates workout in your hotel room, or run around the park with your kids. If a workout is possible (most hotels have fitness centers), pick a time the night before when you will get your workout in. This morning I hit the treadmill first thing in the morning. But yesterday I worked before doing my lifting routine. Most importantly I chose when I would exercise the night before to avoid putting it off.
4. Tips for eating out: skip the soda (pop or Coke depending on where you’re from), don’t get an appetizer, and avoid fried foods. These few things can reduce calories and keep you from feeling bloated the next day.
5. Record your food. This has been extremely helpful for me for in maintaining a healthy weight. More posts on this to come!
6. Get back into your health routine when you get home. It’s ok if you regret what you ate on a vacation/work trip or miss a few workouts. The real bummer will come if don’t get back into your good exercise and eating routines when you get home. The first day home may be hard, but get up for your run, drink your protein shake, and get back on those healthy habits!

Have more healthy travel tips? I’d love to hear them! I still have lots to learn and more travel days to come!