How To Stay Healthy On Vacation

Mid April I went away on a work trip for a training.  I called it my "Mommy Work Vacation".  Even though I was in class all day, it was nice to have a little freedom and relaxation.  I missed my family, but after 9 months of my husband being deployed, I needed that break!

Being away from a home for a week can seem like it would be difficult to continue a healthy lifestyle.  None of my meals were being provided for me.  I also didn't have a mini kitchen in my hotel.  This could have definitely been my excuse to say, "forget it, I'm just going to eat what I want, and forget working out".  That would be the easy way out, but a great way to beat myself up when I return home and my jeans be too tight.
I came up with a plan before leaving for my trip.  I didn't expect to continue to loose weight that week, but didn't want to completely ruin all my months of hard work either.  I first requested from the hotel a room with a mini fridge and microwave.  After I checked in, I hit up the nearest Wal-Mart to grab some healthy snacks.  I picked up foods that I could have for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  That added up to less meals I would have to eat out.  I also got a case of water.  I figured I could buy two overly expensive hotel/airport bottles of water, or a whole case at Wal-Mart for the week.  I got paper bowls, plastic utensils, and clorox wipes (hotel germs ewww).  I was pretty much set.  Dinner was a free for all.  I could enjoy eating out.  Most of the time I would choose salads, lean protein, and vegetables.  A few times I would have something I really wanted because it's all about moderation and balance.

I was also able to continue working out that week while I'm away.  If the hotel does not have have a fitness center, or a good one, it's very easy to bring workout DVD's from home, as long as there is a laptop or portable DVD player if the hotel does not have a DVD player in the room.  I utilized the hotel fitness center.  It was equipped with an elliptical, bicycle, treadmill, free weights, and area for floor exercises.  That's pretty much all that's needed for a good workout.  If there is a great outside space, that can be utilized for running and walking as well.  I made sure to plan my workouts much like I would do at home.  I would get up earlier to workout or do so after class.

The keys to continuing a healthy lifestyle while being away from home are as follows:
1.  Research ahead of time the hotel accommodations for a kitchenette, mini fridge, microwave, fitness                center, etc.

2.  Pack your workout clothes and DVDs and DVD player (if needed).

3.  Upon arrival, find a store to purchase healthy snacks and meals.

4.  Scope the area for surrounding restaurants to plan your eating out meal options.  You can even view              restaurant menus online.

5.  Plan your workouts like you would do at home.

6.  Enjoy some foods that you like, but in moderation.  Remember you do not want to ruin all of your hard          work, or have extra work to do when you return home.

Salad, shrimp kabobs, spinach, and a roll