Staying lean and fit is not a lifestyle for me, it is my LIFE. I spend a large amount of my time traveling domestically and abroad. Most of the times when I travel it consist of me doing live presentations on the subjects of nutrition, fitness and wellness. How would it look if I were to speak on these subjects and gain weight every time I hit the road? It would look awful and I would lose all credibility. In fact it is the fear of gaining weight while traveling that has helped me develop a full proof plan that will yield great results you when you travel anywhere at anytime.

I feel the best way to share this information is to take you on a road trip with me and show you through each step of the way how I can help you get leaner when traveling. The night before I travel I always make sure to pack my workout clothes followed by preparing several meals such as grilled chicken breast, rice and a veggie. I might prepare some low fat turkey chili and brown rice, etc…I place the food in single serve disposable containers, I place a few protein bars in my carry on and up to a dozen if I’m traveling out side the country. If I have an early flight I wake up early enough to have a protein drink or some scrambled egg whites and a cup of oatmeal. Before I leave the house I place my food that I prepared the night before in a soft cooler that I purchased at Target for $14.99 that keeps cold food cold and hot food hot. I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT IT.

Most airlines no longer offer food except in business class or on international flights. However all airlines have many food options to choose from provided you request them when you book your flight. After many trials and errors I have determined that the seafood request is by far the best for my eating plan, if you are allergic to shellfish or don’t like fish then stick with the low fat request. I always have my travel agent contact my Hotel or I will pick up the phone and call the Hotel myself to find out if they have an exercise room on site and or a pass for a gym near by. I also ask if there is a small refrigerator in my room and if not to please place one in my room. Ironically I have never been denied or charged for this request.

Upon my arrival my first stop after I leave the airport is to the nearest grocery store. Luckily I have always been able to find one on the way to my Hotel and so can you. I do a quick stop and buy some sliced turkey breast, rice cakes, yogurt, protein drinks (one for each day I’m in town), carrots, bottled water, etc…I rarely have an appointment before 8:00 am and neither do you so it is very easy to get an early wake up call and get in some exercise. Even if it is just 30 minutes on a treadmill and a few sets of push ups. If I have time later in the afternoon I will go to the gym and pump some additional weights. If I happen to have a conference meeting or if any meals are to be catered, I will always make a request that my food be prepared low fat with dressings and sauces on the side. Again to this day I have never been denied and neither will you.

When I’m eating out on my own I generally stick with some sort of Asian cuisine. I will order my food steamed with sauces on the side. My next choice is a mid range steak house like an Outback or Lone Star. I know I can always order a grilled chicken breast dry, baked potato and a side salad with the dressing on the side. Truth be told once you know the art of eating out low fat you can create a great tasting healthy meal at most any restaurant. Remember that mini fried and those disposable containers? They sure do come in handy because I make sure those containers are full with healthy food so I have them for on the day I depart to return home.

I hope you have enjoyed my travel excursion and in summery you now can get leaner when traveling.

1) pack your workout clothes

2) prepare healthy food

3) have disposable containers and a small travel companion cooler

4) bring nutrition bars

5) request low fat food for your flight

6) contact the Hotel for an exercise room or gym close in the area

7) ask for a mini fridge

8 ) go to the grocery store upon arrival

9) ask your host for low fat food

10) special order at all restaurants

11) bring healthy food for the return flight

Best wishes and happy travels!!!