Business people who travel? What do you eat?
I travel a lot for work, and I find it particularly difficult, to always eat right/exercise.
Last 2 months, I found myself in Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Germany, Poland, and the UK.
In the past I loved eating in all these counties, now I just have a salad if in doubt.
Any tricks? Used by fellow travelers
How about businesswomen :)
I also travel for work....95% of the time I'm in a small town in MS or AL or LA...so no place fun like where you get to go!
This may not help since I can drive, but I always bring a cooler with staples as well as an extra suit case of goodies....for example:
In the suitcase would be: oranges, kashi cereal, laughing cow wedges, EAS drinks, craisins, wheat wraps, Splenda, foreman grill (the teensy one), papertowels, plates, plastic wear....you get the picture...
In the cooler:krab, Cucumbers, avocado, Tomato, Mozz Cheese, Brie Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Turkey, Greek yogurt, yoplaits, chicken/rice portions (casserole I made and split up for lunches), Sundried Toms, Dijon Honey mustard
I also visit the store for anything I need that doesnt travel well or I dont have already....bread, yogurts, fruits, whatever
I like lists, so I use excel and make meal plans for the week, then make a corresponding shopping/packing list....Im way to organized for my own good....
yes two relies in a row....if I cant bring stuff (like flying) then I hope to heck that the hotel has a fridge/microwave and theres a store nearby...that way I can get frozen meals or veggies and have that....
Another thing I like to bring are steamer bags for the microwaves...mmm carrots in the steamer bag! yum!
If forced to eat out, then you just have to use the restaurant tricks...I'm getting used to saying "no oil"...I need to figure out how to say it in spanish...
Original Post by davefiredancer19:
yes two relies in a row....if I cant bring stuff (like flying) then I hope to heck that the hotel has a fridge/microwave and theres a store nearby...that way I can get frozen meals or veggies and have that....
Another thing I like to bring are steamer bags for the microwaves...mmm carrots in the steamer bag! yum!If forced to eat out, then you just have to use the restaurant tricks...I'm getting used to saying "no oil"...I need to figure out how to say it in spanish...
"Por Favor, Sin Olio" I'm headed to Mexico next week, and I'm worried about drinking water as well as food. Hopefully I'll be able to get to a grocery store, but otherwise I'm fully prepared to go with Restaurant salads all week. I hope the Hotel has a gym.
Original Post by sharpey00:
Original Post by davefiredancer19:
yes two relies in a row....if I cant bring stuff (like flying) then I hope to heck that the hotel has a fridge/microwave and theres a store nearby...that way I can get frozen meals or veggies and have that....
Another thing I like to bring are steamer bags for the microwaves...mmm carrots in the steamer bag! yum!If forced to eat out, then you just have to use the restaurant tricks...I'm getting used to saying "no oil"...I need to figure out how to say it in spanish...
"Por Favor, Sin Olio" I'm headed to Mexico next week, and I'm worried about drinking water as well as food. Hopefully I'll be able to get to a grocery store, but otherwise I'm fully prepared to go with Restaurant salads all week. I hope the Hotel has a gym.
Most hotels have online info of gym gear, i always look for at least a 10meter pool too.
Original Post by davefiredancer19:
How about businesswomen :)
Woops, fixed that ;)
Original Post by maxc116to95:
Original Post by davefiredancer19:
How about businesswomen :)
Woops, fixed that ;)
:)
Thank Sharpey! I knew it was Sin something, but Im always afraid of looking like the "stupid white girl" hahaa
Yeah most hotels have gym info online....all I really need is an eliptical or treadmill and a TV hahaha...and thats really only if the Curves in that town sucks...
Id bring bottled water with you ...and watch out for the ice...
oh I forgot to say, I always bring a cooler because sometimes even when the site says they have fridges, they dont...
I would tell you that you should be very careful, esp when you're overseas. Many things that you can eat stateside will make you sick as a freaking dog overseas. I eat kosher when I'm overseas and rarely have a problem. What ever else you may think about it, those dietary rules kept people healthy in the days before good sanitation and refigeration. They worked then and they work now. If you want more information on it, the proper term for it is kashrut. Yes, it's kind of a pain the butt but then so is Montezuma's Revenge. It's also a fairly healthy way to eat.
I don't care if it is in the hotel. I do not eat anything that hasn't been cooked when I'm outside a country I consider safe (USA, most of Europe, Canada, etc.). You can end up with parasites and all other manner of illness. That is *not* how you want to loose weight.
Original Post by davefiredancer19:
If forced to eat out, then you just have to use the restaurant tricks...I'm getting used to saying "no oil"...I need to figure out how to say it in spanish...
You also should remember "Por favor, sin mantequilla" (without butter) and "menos queso" (less cheese) or "la mitad del queso" (half the cheese).
I go to Mexico regularly (will be going again on Monday), and I've never had a problem with the water - but granted, I typically stay in a Hilton, where the water treatment is pretty good. And their gym is pretty good too (although only open until 10 pm), but I do bring my laptop and some workout DVDs.
As for food, going with something grilled or broiled is a good idea (without the oil or butter, of course), and in authentic Mexican restaurants, there's typically no shortage of vegetables. Stick with corn tortillas instead of flour, and don't have to many of them, and put limits on the rice. If you're in a major city, and don't want to experience local flavor, they typically have chains like Applebee's and Chili's around which have their lower cal menus.
I have a tendency to indulge (particularly with the homemade salsa, chips, flan, and tequila), and try to recoup the cals with a little more time exercising.
Ill have to put those on a sticky :D:D thanks!
good luck with yalls travels!! Its a pain trying to eat healthy on the road but worth it!
I'm in a similar boat to you, maxc, and would love to hear tips on dealing with this when traveling internationally. There is no easy option for bringing food along, and of course you can't easily find familiar "safe foods" in other countries. Currently I'm in Melbourne, coming from Malaysia and Singapore, and then on to Adelaide, Sydney etc etc. I'm away for 7 weeks, and really hope not to put on weight.
As far as exercise, I'm usually staying in hotels with gyms, but that's not to say I'm always good about using them.
For food, the "sin olio" trick sometimes works, sometimes not. It sounds like you travel in Asia a lot, in which case getting steamed rice and vegetables along with some fish is always a good option.
Sadly, of course, one of the best parts of travel is trying the local food (although I could have done without the rotten shark in Iceland). But if you go to these places regularly, I guess that can loose its sheen...
My last 2 trips my weight just stayed flat, maybe i just need to accept that for time on trips. I also tend to go out and drink a bit more alcohol.
Oh the worst are airports--being stuck for hours with nothing but "Chik'n Little" or whatever the derivative junk food chain--that, or pretzels, pretzels, pretzels and diet soda. In fact, you're prompting me to check new airline regulations before I travel next (Spain, Canada, and back to the US). Could we freakin' pack some veggies, please? Is a carrot REALLY going to pose a danger to self, crew, and passengers? Please.
I'm going to have to limit myself in Spain, especially. I've never been, and I'll want to taste everything!
Hmm...'haven't been too helpful to you, eh? Ah well, at least your post has me thinking about MY OWN upcoming challenge! :o)
You also should remember "Por favor, sin mantequilla" (without butter) and "menos queso" (less cheese) or "la mitad del queso" (half the cheese).
I have to remember those!
Well 20 years ago I lost almost 50 lbs while on 95% travel throughout the US & Canada. We were in Singapore in Bali two years ago and I came home the same weight using my old strategy as well. The basic strategy in western countries whose portions are large is to get a doggy bag at the same time your meal comes. Then put half the meal in it, and if your hotel room does not have refrigeration have the wait staff remove it from the table. Also focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like brown rice and soba noodles. Avoid anything fried, or with cream or high sugars. I like the other reply about eating Kosher. Its an idea I could have used, but then I didn't really travel into countries where I had to worry about the local cuisine.
I also pack 1 oz servings of walnuts, pistachios, and Walmart Nature Trail mix (low in sugar and fat) in plastic snack bags.In fact I always have them in my brief case and desk. Pack as many of your healthy snacks as you can. A lot will depend on if you know the amenities in the area you will be traveling to. Return trips are easier than first time or only time visits. And frankly when you know its a one time trip, well what the heck, eat the local specialty for dinner and don't beat yer self up over it. I did that when I knew it would be only trip to Australia and Munich, Germany. Did a better job throughout England and Stockholm, although some of the breads in Stockholm got me! I had to have something with all the Salmon I ate!
Lastly, remember that your weight could be off for at least a couple of days after traveling. If you can, wait a few days to weigh yourself for comparison to pre-travel weight.
I've wondered why. I keep up the exercise, yet the pattern repeats over and over. Here's what I think happens:
-I eat more. Even with exercise it takes me a few days to process the food. Last week for instance I ate 1400 calories more than I'd alloted (and 2000 calories over my BMR) on one day. That's only 1/2 lb of real weight gain, but when you account for all the liquid content of the food, it's probably more like 2-3 lbs, which the body quickly stashes away as glycogen.
-I eat out. Doing this hurts 2 ways. I lose control of portion size, and woefully undercount when it comes to things like bread, chips and dessert. I also get a huge shot of sodium.
The good news is that it drops off again as fast as it appears. A couple days of 500 calorie deficits can make 5 lbs disappear.
I always look for a sushi restaurant close to my hotel.
Also, If you like sushi, but not the cost, go to Outback Seakhouse and get the grilled salmon. It comes with 1 side order...I get the green beans. (They have soy and wasabi inhouse for their soy vinagrette and wasaby honey dressings.) Ask them to do it without seasonings, and un cooked. You get a 7-oz piece of salmon for $13. If you were buying sashimi at a sushi bar that amount would cost you $30 at least. 231 calories, 40 g protein, 7g fat. Plus Omega3 fatty acids. You can't beat it.
Original Post by chanteuze:
Oh the worst are airports--being stuck for hours with nothing but "Chik'n Little" or whatever the derivative junk food chain--that, or pretzels, pretzels, pretzels and diet soda. In fact, you're prompting me to check new airline regulations before I travel next (Spain, Canada, and back to the US). Could we freakin' pack some veggies, please? Is a carrot REALLY going to pose a danger to self, crew, and passengers? Please.
I'm going to have to limit myself in Spain, especially. I've never been, and I'll want to taste everything!
Hmm...'haven't been too helpful to you, eh? Ah well, at least your post has me thinking about MY OWN upcoming challenge! :o)
Ahh!? What!? You can't take veggies on the plane?? I've done so before without even looking into whether or not I'm "allowed" lol. I travel back and forth from Germany several times a year and I always bring a fiber rich veggie to snack on (see Poop facts that kill 30 pounds forever... thread). :-D
Next month I'm going to Rome, and it's going to be a challenge not to eat quattro formaggio pizza every day!
I travel between 200-300K miles per year, all over. Asia has been far easier than the US and Western Europe (Even portion sizes have "pumped" up over the past decade). As others have mentioned I pay attention to hotel/lodging that has a small refrigerator and at least a microwave. I usually need to have at least a dinner at each customer stop, and I make it a point to sample very small portions to get the local flavors. I eat a lot of fresh fruits and salads, and of course in asia, india and middle east its easy to get good vegetable dishes and whole grains.
I fortunately love sushi!!! I avoid the soy sauce, and use just the wasabi mixed with a bit of water to thin it out.
When in transit I pack a back of snacks, 100 cal portions of different kinds of salt free nuts, and fresh fruit. I also take along pre-measured packages of Heart to Heart, or Go-Lean Crunch Kashi cereals. I like the Kashi Bars, Flax, Peanut Butter and Trail mix, at 140 cal each. Most important, I do as much walking as possible and try to stay at hotels/lodging with pools so I can get in some lap swimming at least every other day, but usually every day, the swim either early in the morning or later in the evening helps with the "time zone" shifting.
On the Airlines (I'm fortunate enough to usually fly Business Class or better), I have adjusted my meal choices in my profiles for Kosher or Diabetic meals, on the Asian airlines I go with the Vegetarian meals, except for Singapore Air which has great portion sizes and usually very healthy meals.
I try to go to the markets or local grocery stores as well for the snacks and local delights that are reasonable in cal and nutrition. I also carry a very small accurate digital scale and a plastic 20 oz measuring cup and plastic combo tsp/tbsp, so I can be as accurate as possible. Even with a heavy travel routine so far this year I've lost just about 50lbs since mid February.
Finally I love hot sauce and travel with a small bottle (habanero, chipotle or regular tabasco) in my 1 quart plastic bag for the security folks.
Good luck, its not as hard as you might think.
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