Traveling light: Cut the calories While on the go
Do you travel much? You can always stick to a healthy diet with a little advance planning. If you are watching your weight, these are simple techniques for cutting calories while traveling.
Advance planning for Cut the calories on the go
- Eat well before you go. It’s always easier to resist fattening foods if you feel full. Enjoy a hearty meal before leaving. If you have an early flight, get up in time to enjoy a whole wheat toast breakfast and oatmeal with raisins.
2. Call your hotel. Call the concierge or front desk at the hotel where you will stay. Ask for their recommendations for places nearby where you can eat light. Research on the location of the nearest supermarket. You can save money and calories by picking up fresh fruit and vegetables to snack on.
3. Do some investigative work. Go online to find your best options in airports and destinations you have planned. Airport websites usually list their restaurants. Search local business directories by zip code to find ethnic or vegetarian restaurants, health food stores, and farmers markets.
Cut calories
4. Bring water bottles. Bottled water is the best friend of a traveler. Staying hydrated helps prevent you from feeling hungry. A frozen bottle of water can be used as a cooler to keep your fresh snacks. When it melts, you can drink the water and refill it to use as a free weight for exercising.
5. Pack your own meals and snacks. Prepare your own meals and snacks will give you more control over your diet. Put together a mixture of nuts, slightly sweet cereals, and dried fruit. Fill zip bags with cut vegetables or peanut butter on crackers.
6. Keep your car filled with healthy snacks. Many people spend long hours in their car. Always have water and healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars low in fat.
Eating Away From Home for Cut the calories on the go
- Check the serving size. You can enjoy dining out and still eat like a thin person. Make a meal out of a couple of appetizers instead of a full-size entree. Cut your entree in half and take the leftovers back to your hotel for breakfast. Split a dessert with your travel companion.
2. Eat slowly. Slow is a simple and effective way to consume fewer calories. You will recognize when you’re full instead of overeating. Put your fork down between bites.
3. Learn to read menus. Wherever you eat, there are common terms that generally indicate low-fat meals and calories. Look for red sauces instead of creamy white sauces, mussels steamed rather than fried fish, and pizza with vegetable toppings rather than extra cheese or sausage.
Cut calories
4. Fill up on healthy side dishes. If you have already consumed a lot of calories for the day, skip the fries. Order a salad with low-fat dressing on the side. By putting the dressing on your own salad, you can control the amount and therefore calories.
5. Avoid high-calorie drinks. Soft drinks, cocktails can add a lot of calories. Drink water with your meals. At the bar, order a small glass of white wine instead of a white Russian.
6. Ask for slimmed-down dishes. Many restaurants offer lighter options for the health-conscious. You can also ask for sauces on the side or substitute another vegetable for potatoes.
It can be hard to eat when you are away from home. Planning will help you avoid being tempted by fast food. A nutritious diet will give you the energy you need to enjoy your travels and return home without any excess baggage.
