Tips for Better Eating Habits While Traveling for Work

My job requires me to travel quite a bit and while it can sometimes be fun and it is much preferred to sitting at a desk all day having to travel that much can sometimes take a toll on you. One of the main reasons I find it hard is it requires me to eat out for all of my meals. Well even if you are ordering the healthiest thing on the menu all restaurant food is much higher in fat then if you cooked something at home so when you eat out all three meals its still not that healthy.

Frustrated after my last business trip I simply decided with the proper prep work and packing I could avoid having to eat out for so many meals. Today I am leaving to go work in Austin for the week and here is how I am hoping to set myself up for success and less eating out on this trip.

1. Pack some healthy snacks

• The last thing you want is to be on a plane, in the car or stuck at the airport on delay and starving, because what is that likely to lead to? Stopping at the closest place for food, usually unhealthy. Snacks I like to always have on hand with me:
• Qwest bars- 20 grams of protein and only 20 carbs fill me up and keep me happy
• Almonds
• Protein powder- I either pack a shaker bottle or you can use any water bottle to whip up a quick shake
• Greek Yogurt- for this trip since I am driving I am able to bring along a couple yogurts no problem

2. Bring at least a couple healthy meals

• For this trip I went and picked up some Icon Meals and prepped a couple of my own. Icon meals are a Texas local business that hand makes healthy meals for on the go. Each meal has the macros listed on the package and is high in protein and low in fat. They also have an option for you to order custom meals as well.

3. Get in a workout

• I always feel better about work trips when I get in a good workout. For me I usually buy a guest pass to a local gym instead of using the hotel gym so I have a full set of equipment.

4. When eating out look at the menu before you get to the restaurant, I do this to help me pick the healthy options out and know what I'm ordering ahead of time. I also look at the nutrition information when it is available you will be surprised which dishes end up being the healthy options at restaurants, more times than not it is definitely not the salads.

5. Get back to your routine as soon as you get home

• Last but not least if you do get slightly on track on a trip, don't beat yourself up about it or allow it to derail you. Once you return home just get back to healthy eating and exercise and you will be just fine.