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?