Posted by Monica Bautista on Wed, Feb 03, 2010 @ 07:24 AM
I'm leaving today to go to Southern California for HMR's annual training. I've got my bag packed and ready to go...
- Outfits, check!
- Shoes, check!
- Jacket & sweater, check! (it's always cold in hotel conference rooms!)
- Toothbrush, toiletries, check!
- Running shoes, check!
- Workout clothes, check!
- Resistance bands, jump rope, food journal and workout log, and IPod, check!
The first four items are things that everyone brings when traveling (or has to buy when they get there!). The last three may not be the most common items to pack when traveling, but they are an easy way to keep up with your physical activity while away from home.
Here are some other ideas:
- Do your research...choose a hotel with a fitness center and/or a hotel that offers exercise programs on the television. If you go to the fitness center, I suggest arriving before 6:00 a.m. or after 7:00 a.m. - this hour seems to be prime time for many business travelers.
- Fit in exercise at the airport. Don't just sit as you wait for your connecting flight. Walk 10 - 15 minutes away from your gate and 10 - 15 minutes back (more or less, depending on when your flight leaves). Use the stairs instead of the escalator - they are always a lot less crowded!
- Walk, walk, walk, and walk some more. Especially if you are in business meetings all day, you need to get up and get your body moving when you can. Even if you can only fit in a 10 minute walk during the lunch break, do it! And then try to fit in another at the end of the day.
- Stay active! Don't just lounge by the pool...get in and splash around! Rent a bike! Go for a walk and sightsee!
- And, finally, don't use your traveling as an excuse to "eat whatever you want". Pack healthy snacks and water for the plane. Bring your HMR meal replacements and hand-held blender with you (or call the hotel ahead of time to see if they will have a blender available for you). HMR shakes, puddings, and entrees are portable and great for traveling. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables - at least 5 servings per day. Make wise choices when you go out to eat, like grilled chicken or fish, steamed veggies, salad (without cheese & dressing), or a baked potato with salsa!
Remember, the next time you travel, make a plan for how you will fit in physical activity on your trip, go prepared, and keep moving! It will be that much easier to resume your workout routine when you get back home!
Happy Travels!
Posted by Alicia Leeds on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 02:01 PM
You may be on vacation, but your weight management isn't. Sure, you are out and about with the family, playing, swimming and doing some extra walking. All that PA is great!
Even so, you may find that your work clothes feel a little tight when that dreaded Monday back to the office finally comes. The likelihood that your PA has covered the fish n'chips, ice cream and hamburgers is pretty slim...
Instead of using your vacation time to indulge and pay for it later (kind of like putting the whole trip on your VISA card) why not create an opportunity to expand your healthy lifestyle skills instead. Vacation is a great time to try a new Physical Activity, or renew your interest in an old one. When was the last time you rode your bike around? - Try it - you'll feel like a kid again! Or go hiking, kayaking, roller blading...
Your HMR at Home Program can be taken on the road. Use the fruits of summer in cool low cal HMR recipes. Try some new vegetables from the local farmers' market.
HMR meal replacements are a great addition to any vacation plan. HMR shakes are perfect for a hot summer afternoon. My favorite these days is HMR 800V +HMR 120V plus tons (1-2 cups) of frozen blueberries and ice. I like it super thick like soft serve ice cream. And HMR entrees are portable and delicious at room temp (try HMR 5 Bean Casserole on a salad) so pack them up for a day at the beach - it will save you tons of time and calories.
Always have plenty of cold water - especially if you are running around on a hot summer day. Crystal Light mini flavor straws come in handy for instant ice tea or lemonade.
If you are serious about successful weight management, you have to start by changing your mind. Challenge your assumptions. Start thinking about what is possible instead of reverting to what you think is inevitable. Make a commitment to your weight and health.
If you want to be different, you have to be different.
What are you willing to change on vacation this year? Write down your goals and your plan. You can do it!
Wouldn't it be great to wrap up your vacation feeling energized, healthy, refreshed, and on track with your weight? You bet.
Oh, and - don't forget your sunscreen!
Posted by Alicia Leeds on Wed, May 20, 2009 @ 07:57 AM
I'm just about to take off for a drive across the country! I am really looking forward to the trip but worried about keeping up my healthy eating and exercise.
I've got the cooler packed and ready to go with apples and frozen blueberries, chobani yogurt, grapes, baby carrots and cold cooked potato wedges. So I've got the sweet, crunchy and salty covered. Also, packed some HMR Mexican Enchilladas (great over a salad), HMR Lasagna, HMR Chicken Pasta Parmesan, and HMR Cheese Ravioli - all of which are delicious at room temperature.
Using the HMR 70+ pudding will be an easy way to whip up breakfast and snacks - I can just stop and pick up a coffee cup, buy a bottle of water, stir and go.
I'll bring along a box of Kashi Go Lean Cereal to munch on or add to the yogurt and maybe a HMR Benefit Bar or two cut up in a baggie for a super sweet treat.
I've got a plan to stop every couple of hours for a ten minute walk (and will make sure this happens by drinking plenty of water!) so I can fit in all my PA in multiple short bouts.
It's a tough road out there when you're trying to manage your weight and health, but HMR makes it a little easier.
See you on the left coast!