Is Business Travel Making You Fat?
Leading a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge, especially when you travel for work. Whether you're attending conferences, meeting with clients, or visiting a new location, it can be tough to stick to your healthy eating and exercise routine. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a full - time gig. It doesn’t work if it’s one week on and one week off. Sticking with your routine while traveling is essential for keeping your fitness and energy levels up, reducing stress, and staying healthy and productive. In this article, we'll explore the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle when you travel for work and provide some practical tips to help you stay on track.
Tip #1: Stay Consistent With Your Workouts
Look, no one enjoys going to the gym at 9:00pm after a long day of flying, meetings, and work dinners, but you have to do it if that’s your work life and you want to stay in shape. Don’t skip your workouts while you’ re on the road. Get it out of the way first thing in the morning or make it happen at night.
Tip #2: Research Restaurants & Grocery Stores Ahead of Time
Before you even leave for your trip, take some time to research restaurants and food options in the area you'll be visiting. This will help you identify healthy options that you can eat while you're there. Hit the grocery store on your way to the hotel and grab some healthy go - to foods that can easily be heated up in the microwave.
Tip #3: Choose Grilled or Steamed Options
When dining out, choose grilled or steamed options instead of fried foods. Grilled or steamed foods are often lower in calories and healthier for you. Salads aren’t always the best choice! Lean on grilled proteins and steamed vegetables.
Tip #4: Stay Hydrated
It's easy to become dehydrated while traveling, especially if you're flying. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your trip. This will help you stay hydrated and avoid feeling sluggish or tired.
Tip #5: Don't Skip Meals
Skipping meals can lead to poor decision making and overeating later on. It's essential to eat regularly throughout the day to maintain your energy levels and keep your metabolism functioning correctly. If you're traveling, try to stick to your regular meal schedule as much as possible and be sure to pack healthy snacks for your travel days.
Tip #5: Choose Your Beverages Wisely
Alcoholic and sugary drinks can be high in calories and can quickly derail your healthy eating plan. Avoid them as much as possible. If you find yourself at dinner meetings where cocktails are“ required,” then have one and sip it slow so it feels like you’re participating.
Tip #6: Avoid Fast Food Restaurants
This should go without saying Fast food restaurants are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. While they may be convenient, they're not the best option for healthy eating. Instead, try to find healthier options at local restaurants or food trucks.
Tip #7: Get Sunlight
Sunlight regulates so many functions in the body, especially our circadian rhythm which impacts sleep and metabolism. Traveling and going from one time zone to another constantly can have a lot of negative side effects. Getting plenty of sunlight, especially first thing in the morning can help regulate your hormones and keep your system balanced.
If traveling is a part of your lifestyle, then you must find ways to stay healthy while on the road. Having a healthy routine while you’re home and then completely blowing it on the road, won’t get you where you want to be. It’s challenging, but it’s very
doable with the right mindset and resources.
If you travel regularly and are struggling sticking to a healthy routine, schedule a consultation with us to find out how you can get and stay on track.
