Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesday's Traveler

The past two weeks have been such a whirlwind of activity - off to New England, delivering facilitated sessions, back home, off to Virginia...phew - I'm tired! There are a few things I'd like to share with you today - Tuesday's Traveler. Depending on my traveling schedule, you may see this a few times.

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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Following these things has really helped me stay consistent in my goals. In addition, I feel better because I'm not all bloated & tired and the exercise helps my legs feel better after flying & standing so much.

Do you have any tips for me for traveling & keeping up with my goals?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

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.

Dee Stephens said...

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)..

Whitney said...

Those are such great tips! I am definitely going to remember these for the next time I travel!

Ashley said...

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.

Tara Gibson said...

look at you and your great tips! I always check out the gym at the hotel i am staying at

Anonymous said...

Great advice! Your travels sound wonderful =D Xo

MCW said...

Do you know about DWLZ??? She list a million restaurants and their points...

http://dwlz.com/

Susannah said...

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!!

Brittany Ann said...

Excellent, excellent, excellent! I should hire you to advise my clients that travel!

Matthias said...

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.