Trying to eat healthy when you are out of town for a few days is challenging. Throwing in the towel and eating whatever is in front of you can set you back for days. A little planning goes a long way here.
Airports, rest-steps, food courts, and conferences typically provide generic options. If you’re on the road with your family or solo for a business trip, it’s essential to plan ahead for what your eating plans are. New environments are hard to navigate. There are some patterns you can follow to ensure you (and your family) stay on your game…
Eat Clean Leading Up to the Trip: If you’re going away for a few days, don’t lead up to your travels with a week of pizza, booze, and chips. Of course you are going to be eating out. Double down on salads and eliminate desserts for a few days. It will help with damage control.
Pack What You Can: If you’re on a road trip in the car, load up a cooler or cooler bag. You can bring at least a meal or two with you so you don’t have to be tempted by the McDonalds at the rest stop. If you’re going on a plane, check what’s allowable to bring in your carry on and checked bags. Fruit, nuts, and healthy snacks are all OK to pack. Throwing in some apples, avocados, trail mix, and your favorite nut butter will be no problem.
Eat Up Before the Day You Leave: Eat a big healthy meal before you leave. Load up on some healthy options so that you’re not freaking out and making bad decisions on the road. It’s also nice to get rid of whatever fresh options you have at home before leaving. Clean out the fridge and make something tasty!
Shop When You Arrive: You don’t HAVE to eat every meal out. Find a local store and go pick up a few things to get you through. If you don’t want the “continental” breakfast of instant oats and processed sausage, grab a few favorites from the store and leave them in the fridge at your home base (vacation home or hotel).
Treat Yourself…But Not Every Time: Of course it’s OK to treat yourself while away, just don’t do it every single meal. Order the grilled chicken salad to keep things in a good flow. Not only will you feel better from it physically, but you also won’t be judging yourself after.
A Good Time for Versatility and Discipline: You don’t HAVE to have desert. You don’t HAVE to eat food you don’t want to. If it’s a spread you don’t want to eat at a conference, don’t eat it. Have a light snack and wait until later. It’s OK to be a little bit hungry for a few hours. If you know you’re going to have an opportunity to eat later, something you can choose, practice the discipline of waiting. It’s better than blowing a meal, and your digestive track, on unhealthy options.
