Traveling… on the "Lite" Side
Do you gain weight every time that you travel? The airports are full of extra calories and fat! Learn how to avoid those temptations…and the extra pounds!
With the amount of traveling I have done, I can't help but notice all of the unhealthy foods and restaurants packed into these airports and planes. Every few feet there is another temptation to eat…McDonalds, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, not to mention the news stands selling sodas, candies and chips! Sometimes the planes will also offer some type of meal and beverage…barbeque sandwiches, Fritos, and a beer to wash it down! All of these foods are packed with calories and fat, and it will take much more than walking to the gate to burn these calories!
Here are some tips to follow when your traveling…so that, you don't come home with any excess baggage!
- Eat something healthy before boarding the plane and bring food with you!
Remember to eat breakfast…some drinkable yogurt, egg-whites, or cereal. If your trip involves a connecting flight, bring something healthy to eat… a meal replacement bar (40/30/30), boxed juice or some fruit and nuts!
- Don't waste time…burn some calories!
If you have a layover…walk briskly through the airport for some exercise! Some airports even offer some type of spa or gym to use for a minimal cost. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes!
- When possible…order a healthy meal!
Order at least 24 hours in advance…choose the low-fat meal, it is usually the healthiest. The airlines do not provide you with exact caloric breakdown, but you can write it down and look it up in a "fat-counter book". Some of the regular meals, breakfast for example: French toast, sausage, fruit can total close to 1000 kcal and 30% fat. Where as, if you order cold cereal, low-fat milk, fruit and low-fat yogurt it would be close to 500 kcal and 12% fat. Big difference!
- Eat light on the flight!
Airline portions are usually small, but it doesn't mean that they are low-fat or low-cal. For instance, turkey & cheese sandwich with chips and a cookie, is 950 calories and 50 grams of fat. You could skip the meal completely, and eat something healthy when you arrive at your destination!
- Drink water!
The humidity is low in an airplane, so you must drink more water to avoid dehydration, fatigue and jet lag! Bring a bottle of water with you if you prefer! Skip the salty snacks, alcohol and caffeine…all of which can contribute to dehydration!
- Avoid the minibar!
When you finally arrive at your destination, do not indulge in the minibar! Do not even open it if you always are tempted…it is full of fat and calories at extremely high prices!
Remember, when you are traveling to plan ahead when it comes to food. If you are entertaining clients that evening, eat a light breakfast and lunch on the plane, so that you that your total calories for the day are still within range. Exercise daily…most hotels offer an exercise facility if you cannot find time during the day while traveling!