Flying Without My Safety Net

For anyone who is trying to get (or stay) healthy & fit, traveling can be a real challenge.  Once we are away from our routine and our familiar surroundings, it is easy to get off track. 

Lately, every time I have traveled (business or pleasure), I have struggled to stay on program.  I always started out with the best intentions, but quickly veered off course with the slightest bump in the road.

I wanted my latest trip (5 days/4 nights) to Utah to be different, so Adam and I made a little challenge.  We listed all of my most-hated workout elements (pull-ups, burpees, running witht he treadmill at 15-degree incline, etc.) and agreed that if I came back more than a pound over my pre-trip weight, I would have to perform the redemption workout based on all of these detested elements.

Maybe it was this challenge, or maybe it was my stubborn determination to finally come home without failing at something that is SO important to me, but I just knew in my heart (and my mind) that this time had to be different.

So... what was my plan for success?  Here are the # important elements that I thought would work for me:

1. BE PREPARED
   The food that we are used to and what we might be able to find while on the road (especially in the airports and on planes) will be quite different.  I knew it would be important to bring food for the travel days and also for snacks during the week.  Some of my favorites are:  almonds, beef jerky, South Beach cereal bars, Atkins protein bars, Luna bars, apples, dates and raisins.  Once I got to Utah, I made a trip to the grocery store for a case of bottled water, apples, oranges, and yogurt.  My room had a fridge, so I was able to keep everything chilled and ready.
    
2. BE INFORMED
   Whenever possible, know what you're getting yourself into.  Before you leave home, go online and check out the hotel's fitness room.  Do they have cardio equipment?  Do they have strength training equipment? If they don't have a fitness room, do they have day passes to a nearby gym?  Have an idea of how you are going to get in a workout and stick to the plan.  If the hotel's fitness room is not optimal, remember that a lot can be done with body weight and just your normal surroundings:  body weight squats, pushups, sit ups, jumping jacks, running, climbing the hotel stairs, etc.  Take some time to work out a game plan, either way.
   
   While I can usually find SOMETHING to eat no matter where we go, it is always good to know the menu ahead of time, and most places have their menus online.  Even if they don't provide nutritional information, you can usually get enough from the site to help you make a wise dining decision once you get there.  If you feel rushed or overwhelmed, you might be tempted to over-indulge or stray from your program, so a little information can go a long way.
    
3. BE STRONG
   There will be many temptations to stray from your program. 
   
   You've found the perfect salad on the menu, but they don't have any calorie-friendly dressing choices?  Ask for a bowl of lemon wedges.  Along with some salt and pepper, it can make a nice substitution for dressing.
   
   Everyone has decided to order dessert?  Have coffee or tea while your tablemates indulge.
   
   Is the group making an after-dinner trip to the bar?  Say your good nights and hit the gym instead.  You'll save on the extra calories, burn a few extra, AND get to bed before the night owls.  Remember... our bodies not only need nourishment and exercise, but also need the proper amount of rest.

So... how did I do this trip?  I stuck to my program and came home 1.5 pounds lighter.  Finally--success!  If I can do it, I know you can, too!  If you have a success story or a tip for keeping healthy and active while on the road, please feel free to share it here.  Together we can DO this!!