Healthy Eating -v- Pigging Out On Business Trips
Think before you put that golden salty hot crisp chip in your mouth! Yes, it was quick and easy to buy and your excuse is that you are hungry and in a hurry at the airport. Your body is craving a bit of salty flavor, and the ultimate excuse to yourself is the one of, "I don't do it very often!"
The path to decadence over indulgence and your business suit becoming tight around the middle, all boils down to what you choose to put in your mouth when traveling for business. The perks of business travel abound; all expense paid client dinners or lunches, exciting new destinations and different cuisines, quick snacks at airports or midnight munching from the room service menu, at your boss's expense of course.
The food highway is definitely not the normal one, which you strictly follow to keep yourself fit and healthy when in your home environment. The trouble is, if you get onto this path of devilish eating patterns, it will become your normal daily routine in no time at all. For all intents and purposes, your healthy lifestyle degenerates into one of pigging out mayhem.
Below are a few tips to keep you on the straight and narrow, especially if you are really trying to lose those extra few kilos, suffer from diabetes or attempting to maintain your healthy lifestyle, so that no early heart attack will strike you down in your prime.
There is "real" food in an airport, you just have to look a bit harder for it and avoid the need to grab the alluring junk cuisine on offer. Or, go for some unsalted nuts if you really get the hunger bug, as it will stave the pangs off for a while. | |
Don't go mad on alcohol or caffeine when about to board a flight, flying is dehydrating enough without this. Drink what nature or designer label water devised for you to stay healthy. It is possible to think you are hungry, when in fact, you are just downright thirsty. | |
Eat only when you are hungry. Or, if you have a client lunch/dinner approaching, don't snack beforehand. Grab those unsalted nuts or some fruit, if you are worried about your blood sugar levels. | |
I know your mum used to pack you a lunch for school, which you probably threw in the rubbish bin most times. Well, be good and pack some healthy snacks to take on the plane with you, rather than eating over processed plane rubbish full of sodium. Think raw veggies, whole-grain crackers and of course, nuts! | |
Put your glasses on and actually read the nutrition information on the back of the packet of whatever food item it is you are contemplating buying at the airport shop. | |
The demon of it all is alcohol, so much a social conversation opener, but so full of calories. Drink one for one, of alcohol and water at all times. And slow down, there is no need to throw them back at a fast pace. | |
Don't skip breakfast, as it is true that this is the most important meal of the day. | |
When in a restaurant, don't be shy and ask to have it how it is good for you. Order dressings or sauces on the side, ask for a salad or veggies instead of hot chips, and look for grilled, steamed or poached items on the menu. |
Your fit and gorgeous body will be the proof that not only do you look after yourself, but you will look after your client's business as well. Nothing is more off-putting to a client, than to deal with a large sloth in a tomato sauce stained tie!
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
