Taking your diet on vacation?

[wonko]

Hi All,

I was wondering if people have tips for how to make sure that travel, whether for work or pleasure, whether by land, air, or sea, doesn't get in the way of taking good care of yourself.

I have two trips coming up, both for work, and since I've only changed my ways (and weight) over the past few months, I'm nervous about handling things like catered and/or group meals, making time for exercise, and making sure the stress of travel (which can hit me hard) doesn't land me in the snack line at the airport.

Thanks much in advance!

[wonko]

This is an older post, but I wanted to bump it up with results from my two (with just 2 full days home inbetween) work trips.

The 1st trip was to a place I used to live til 2007:  Philly, PA.  I stayed with friends who had not seen me since my lifestyle changes.  I was really glad to find that after I spoke with them about the matter, they were all very supportive and encouraged me to pick restaurants and such.  I also brought some food with me since I had access to my friend's kitchen.  I was able to exercise through walking (which you need to do lots of in the city!) and also did some workouts in my friend's living room.  I didn't eat a single thing that I would later regret!

The 2nd trip was to CA, and this time, I had to stay in a hotel and eat catered group meals.  This was more of a challenge!  The catered meals all involved pastery.  There were donuts, cookies, brownies, and more at every turn.  Thankfully, there was also fruit for breakfast and salad for lunch.  So while there were temptations, there were also reasonable options.  I didn't eat a single treat, though my mouth watered.  I don't normally miss those things THAT much, but as others have noted, it IS much harder when those items are at your finger tips!  

I really tried to focus on how I would feel AFTER I ate, and not about how things would taste in the moment.  That seemed to help some.  I also told some of my colleagues that I also am friends with about my efforts, for some moral support.  

At most of the dinners out I could pick what I wanted.  But one night, dinner was at a beer/pizza place, two of my old favorites!  One of the huge, fully loaded pizzas was placed right in front of me.  The pizza and beer was paid for by the meeting host.  But I stepped aside and ordered a spinach salad and an iced tea, paid for them separately, and ate them instead of the pizza.  One other person (out of ~20) did the same.  I didn't say anything to the table or make a big deal about it, and was much happier afterwards than I would have been had I eaten the pizza.

I think it is hard since I am still rather big to eat this way in public, I almost felt I should eat the cookies and pizza just so people wouldn't think I was "faking" being a good eater (most of these people had not met me before and therefore would not know that I have been losing weight).  Again, I placed those thoughts aside and kept in mind that how I felt at the end of the day mattered more than short term satisfaction or other people's opinions.

I was glad that in the airports (I was mostly in major hubs) there WERE reasonable choices.  Not so much in the air available on the plane though, so if you have a long flight, or if you are in and out of small airports, I would suggest that you plan ahead and bring something.

I also kept in mind my tracker and my commitment to take the best care of myself that I can, and all of the great friends and supporters I've met here.

Thanks everyone, and good luck at home and abroad!

[Ranaesheart]

With all due respect, preplanning and packing your "CAN DO" attitude is most important to your success!  Look for all the ways you CAN achieve your goals and you will be surprised at how you will find them.  

You can check with the airlines and if there is a meal to be served, you can special order a low-calorie nutritional option.  It may cost you a little to do this OR you can take your chances on the meal they serve and pack something to fall back on.  There are several prepackaged vacuum-sealed options you can take with you for a main course.  Pistachio nuts, dried fruits, an apple or pretzels are healthier options to take with you for snacks.  You may want to call ahead and see what is allowed in your carry on ... may have to have them in sealed packages and there are a few airports that don't allow fresh fruit.

As for catered events/group meals, you may want to scope out the concierge or front desk personnel and explain the event you are attending and your desire to maintain your healthy food choices and seek their assistance or referral to someone who can assist you.  Have found they are most willing to be helpful and make suggestions.  It allows them to be of assistance and most people enjoy when they can be helpful.  At a conference I attended, they served two very unhealthy main entrees and pie was set before us.  I chose to eat my salad by dipping the tines of my fork in the dressing and then the lettuce leaves (only used 1/4 of the dressing that way) and quickly gave my pie to the server explaining why.  When asking if it was possible to order something else from the kitchen, we discussed a chicken breast and shortly it was brought to me as my meal.

The same is true at a restaurant.  Just talk to the server or you can do so privately by excusing yourself from the table and visiting the front desk and asking for assistance.  Here's a few ideas ... Mexican - Try chicken fajitas - grilled chicken, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and 1 or 2 flour tortillas are fine.  I limit myself to 6 chips and can have all the salsa I want.   Chinese - Try chicken and pea pods with white rice.  Seafood -grilled or baked fish and rice.  Others - Go for the grilled or baked chicken or fish, steamed vegetables or salad with dressing on the side and fresh fruit.  If you know where you're going, can check out the menu items online or call ahead to ask questions.  If possible, it helps to make your choice before you go.  And, I immediately divide my meal in half as the portions are always to large.  Ask for an additional plate and actually move the food while you can still judge where the line for "half" is.  If you're still tempted to eat it, either have the server remove the additional plate OR pour some of your water on it .. now it is no longer appetizing!  

If you look as the travel and the exercise as an adventure, it helps!  Get up early, go the hotel gym or walk around the block or the hotel and just see what you can see.  Enjoy the new sites, watch the people, see the fashion and smile inside.  It'll set the tone for the entire day!  The same can be said of travel ... see what's different from airport to airport, while waiting for a layover, walk for exercise or meet someone new!  

Know YOU CAN DO THIS!!!  Prepare for it, dream it ... take a deep breath ... and enjoy this journey!!!!   You may also want to find an Internet connection and check back in with all of us for moral support!   We're here for you!

(((Big HUGGSSS)))
Ranae

[Whatawoman]

Drink plenty of water -  and get adequate sleep/rest if you can.

Control the meals you can and eat less and  slower the menus you can't.

If possible let thoise around you know you are watching what you eat and get them on side... it's amazing how many people will tell you if they think you are cheating on your plans lol.

Get more exercise if you can take every oppertunity to walk -  even if it is around a bedroom or hotel room.

Write down a food diary and be honest with yourself.

good luck -  it is all possible. Small portions, healthy options, sleep, water and exercise :)

[peekawho]

If I can't control what's on the menu, I eat less of whatever there is.  

I travel back and forth to the east coast a lot, which puts me in the airports with travel delays way more often than I'd like.

I look for the bigger restaurants (sometimes there are Chili's, TGI Fridays, or other bigger restaurants) in the airports.  I'll opt for salads, holding croutons or cheese, and low fat dressings or adding regular dressing sparingly.  Or if there is only McD's or other fast food place, a grilled chick. sandwich with no mayo is usually what I'll get.  Even a slice of pizza w/o pepperoni is better than nothing.

But in general, if you can't control what's on the menu, eat about half of what's on the plate.

Check your messages.  I'm sending you the name of a good website where you can order travel size low fat or FF salad dressings, mayo, and a SLEW of other travel size goodies.