While I was traveling, I managed to stick with my eating ("Weight Watchers Points Counting" is what it really should be called) and exercise goals. I thought today would be a good day to share them with you - they're fairly simple & work whether you're counting points or simply keeping up with good habits.
- Check out the hotel before you book it. See if their hotel gym or pool is something that you can use. If I have options that are within $10-$15 of each other, I try to choose the hotel that has the best cardio equipment - this would probably include free weights and a bench as well. If you don't have that option, pick one that has a decent gym/pool & pack an exercise video and exercise bands for use when you don't use the gym.
- USE the hotel gym. This sounds simple right? You wouldn't believe the number of times I've never had a problem getting on a treadmill or elliptical as no one ever is in there. When you get back to your hotel, instead of changing & watching TV, pull out your workout gear, change & head downstairs. If you're a cardio person, you can park yourself on a treadmill, watch your favorite Food Network shows (Giada, Barefoot Contessa & the Neeley's) and feel virtuous while watching them fix something super yummy. Just make sure to concentrate on your speed/incline & mix it up.
- If you're a member of a gym where you live, see if there is one local to where you're traveling & see what their guest policy is. I'm a member of the YMCA & I'm able to head to Y's all over the country & typically work out for free. This is especially helpful if you're a cardio class fan. You may not find Cardio Sculpt with Desiree (if you're in Charlotte & looking for a hard core workout - this is your class! [Actually, anything taught by Desiree is tough]) but you're sure to find something that will get your heart rate up & moving.
- Check out restaurant menus online. This is a great way to plan what you're going to eat. I look at calories, fat, fiber & sodium. Sodium is a big one for me due to the fact that I swell up like a sausage. Once you plan what you're going to eat, stick with it! Don't let a waiter suck you into the specials - usually loaded with sodium, butter & fat.
- Just because a restaurant has a dessert menu does not mean you need to order from it. Dessert typically = high calories & high fat. No bang for your buck. However, if you need to treat yourself after a super long week & they have your absolute favorite dish, order it, but only take a few bites & then ask to have it taken away. Same thing goes for bread on the table. Have a piece & be done or ask them not to bring it.
Do you have any tips for me for traveling & keeping up with my goals?
10 comments:
Mrs. Potts, you are amazing!! I did just that, I checked into a hotel with a gym for our Thanksgiving trip and I intend to use it. I don't think I've worked out on Thanksgiving before in my entire life. We'll see how that goes, first time for everything! And I wish I had your willpower, I don't think I could order dessert and only have a few bites of it all. When I see dessert in front of me, I put my face in it. Believe it. You're amazing for doing that this past week! So proud of you, pretty lady!!
I also agree that looking at the menus online is SUCH a good idea. I think that's my number one dining out tip. I have avoided so many pitfalls of french fries, cheese, and deep-fried anything by picking my meal out in advance and sticking to it.
I always hit up the local grocery or something when I get to my destination and buy healthy snacks for the room.
I always get up early and get my work out knocked out. This helps me get my day going early and keeps me from staying up too late(knowing I need to get up and workout)..
Those are such great tips! I am definitely going to remember these for the next time I travel!
I think you covered it pretty well. The big "Tip" is to PLAN AHEAD when travelling- and it sounds like you are! Either flying or driving- I always try to plan my food ahead.
look at you and your great tips! I always check out the gym at the hotel i am staying at
Great advice! Your travels sound wonderful =D Xo
Do you know about DWLZ??? She list a million restaurants and their points...
http://dwlz.com/
Mrs. Potts, wow, you are inspiring! I love reading your tips and tricks for WW. I am going to be in a hotel for Thanksgiving and I know it has a gym-I will have to bust it! Keep up the great work!!
Excellent, excellent, excellent! I should hire you to advise my clients that travel!
A good way to ensure a good hotel gym is to check out http://www.HotelGymReview.com (launching end of October) before you leave for your next trip. Also be sure to write reviews about the facility.
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