Planning a trip, but not sure what to do to stick to your diet? I’ve discovered several solutions that will help you when you’re away. Traveling and dining can be a challenge, regardless of whether it’s for work or vacation.
Take a few moments to review this checklist so you can implement your success strategies to stick to your diet when you’re away.
- Plan ahead – Sit down and really plan your days. I like to start with a simple chart showing how many days I will be away. Don’t for get to include travel to and from days. For each day you’ll need to think about breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
- What foods can you pack and take along? Small packable items are best, especially for snacks.
- What restaurants will you dine? What’s on the menu? Narrow this down to two or three choices so you will know in advance what to order.
- Always eat breakfast and a balanced lunch. Lighten up at dinner, maybe a side salad and entree. Avoid the bread basket or limit yourself to one roll. If possible share dessert, order the smaller portion or skip and opt for fruit instead.
- Avoid traveling hungry or arriving at the restaurant hungry. Have a piece of fruit, glass of water, protein bar, veggies or other healthy options. Doing this will keep you from over eating and ordering more than you can consume in one sitting.
- If you are going to a buffet, start with the salad bar. If possible use a salad plate or small plate when you select your main meal. Choose two vegetables, one meat or protein. Don’t go for seconds unless you are really hungry. Drink water between plates (it fills you up). Select one dessert.
- Take your time. It’s okay to eat slowly. Sip water between bites. You will fill up faster and that’s okay.
- It’s okay to leave food on your plate. I know it’s the opposite of what many of us were taught growing up. You were always told to “eat all of your food”. It’s okay to leave some food on your plate. It’s also okay to eat 1/2 your food and request the other 1/2 be wrapped for you to have another day.
- Limit the alcohol. Empty calories, without benefits.
- Have a great time!
In the comments below, share a tip that has worked for you.
thanks
Rob S.
This is really good advice which I would use when going on my cruise.
That’s a hard time to control eating and sticking to a diet for sure.
I have learned to plan things out. It’s important to look ahead when you’re trying to diet.
Drinking water before you eat is always a good idea and I do it all the time. It fills you up and is good for you.
And it’s always better to have more salads and vegetables and not go back for seconds.
Would you suggest any appetite suppressants?
These are great ways to stick to it!
Lorrie Pearson
Hi Rob,
I don’t suggest appetite suppressants unless you and your doctor feel it’s needed. I find that when you find healthier snacks like fruit, granola bars, veggies(celery, & carrots) or protein bars and you drink water instead of sugary drinks while traveling it really helps.
Once you’re at your destination, planning ahead and continuing to select the healthier foods first helps you keep your momentum.
angie
Hi Lorrie
Dieting when you travel!!! This is a tricky one for sure. Other than fruits, what suggestions do you have for packable foods? I have a hard time with bread, I love bread and I know it’s not healthy. Unfortunately, I don’t have any tips to give as I usually blow it when traveling but I did get some good tips from you and I thank you for that.
Lorrie Pearson
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your comment.
You’ll find nuts, protein bars, pretzels, rice cakes, snack size peanut butter, trail mix, applesauce cups, granola, kale chips pop chips, popcorn and sunflower seeds easy to pack, healthy and delicious.