When traveling for business, it is rare that we don’t encounter a healthy chunk of downtime between flights, meetings, and waiting for a cheeseburger at the fast-food counter. All that inactivity combined with poor food choices can add up after a while, so if you’ve found yourself returning from many a trip with a bit of extra baggage, it’s time to step up your healthy habits while on the road to ensure that you’re expanding your horizons, not your waistline!
Smart Snacking in the Skies
It’s always hard to plan ahead and pack accordingly, but knowing a flight’s snack alternatives or even packing your own can go a long way.
- Many airlines list their snack options online, so before taking off do some research to see if there is a healthier alternative available such as granola or fruit instead of those calorie-heavy roasted peanuts.
- With baggage fees through the roof, carry-on space is at a premium, but you’ll be thankful you went the extra mile by bringing some calorie-conscious snacks along. Some easy favorites are dried fruit, a Ziploc bag of whole grain cereal, or some beef or turkey jerky.
Making Meals Matter on the Road
Taking a few extra minutes to strategically plan your meals throughout a hectic business trip schedule can save you thousands of calories each day. Making sure your body gets the proper fuel for healthy energy will ultimately help you power through the long hours much more efficiently.
- Stuck in the airport? Avoid the fast-food and find a deli cart carrying sandwiches or salads. Choose lean meats, veggies, and whole grain breads. Substitute your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing with some oil and vinegar.
- Do what you can to avoid the doughnut and pastry platters before meetings. Try and find some fresh fruit or bring your own snack.
- Leave the high-sugar, calorie rich soft drinks at home. Artificially flavored fruit beverages can similarly run your calorie count through the roof. Try coffee, tea, or sparkling water instead.
- Similarly, don’t forget about a healthy happy hour. Margaritas and cocktails with fruit juices or sodas can add up quick. Think about ordering a glass of wine, a drink on the rocks, or a cocktail with tonic/soda water.
Working Out While Working Remotely
So you’ve got your snacks and you’ve been avoiding the greasy foods, but you’ve still got hours to kill before getting on the plane or heading into the meeting. In addition to the fitness centers available at many hotels, here are some easy tips for keeping yourself active.
- Stretch, stretch, and stretch some more! Long plane rides and hours in a desk chair at a meeting can tighten your muscles up and doing some simple, easy stretches in the morning and before you go to bed will make a HUGE difference. Try taking a yoga class to become familiar with some basic movements that you can take with you on the road.
- Using your own body weight is an easy, free way to keep fit in your San Diego corporate apartment or even tight quarters like your hotel room. Squats, lunges, push-ups, and sit-ups are all easy and familiar exercises to keep your blood moving and your body toned.
- Pack some of your own lightweight fitness gear for the trip. Stretching bands, jump ropes, athletic shoes, or maybe even a tennis racket could all be comfortably brought along for the trip.
- Look into exercise DVDs or YouTube workouts. Both can be great for maintaining your fitness routine without having to search out a gym.
Keeping yourself healthy and fit on the road can be easily accomplished with a little bit of planning and effort. The benefits will extend far beyond a healthy body as well. A clear head and a little bounce in your step will do wonders for your personal interactions as well as your stress levels. We hope you found yourself inspired by these quick tips and wish you happiness AND health in your travels!
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