Frequent work trips and functions are commonly cited as an excuse for not being more active and as a contributor to our excess weight. However, it is not only possible, but also realistic, to be able to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent work trips and functions.
This is a topic I am extremely passionate about, because it affects the vast majority of our clients and I have seen how much this single excuse limits their results. My greatest frustration at aiports is seeing people after several hours of sitting on a plane choosing to take the travelator or escalator rather than choosing the opportunity of walking to get their blood circulating properly again. I would love to be an airport designer for a day, and make the stairs the easy, obvious option and encourage people to save the escalators and travellators for those who really needed them.
I am very excited to put together the following helpful tips for you, and look forward to seeing you in the airport one day...making the most of your opportunity to move and stretch your legs!
At the airport:
• Pack a drink bottle in your bag
• Wear a pedometer and make sure you achieve 10,000 steps on travel days
• Always opt to walk, rather than take a travelator
• Choose the stairs instead of an escalator
• Be organised - pack a meal or snack from home
• When in transit, walk around the airport rather than sit down
On the plane
• Pre-order low fat or low calorie meals from the airline
• If you’ve already eaten, avoid having another meal on the plane
• Get up and walk up to the front or back of the plane at least once each hour
• Do the in-flight exercises every 30-60 minutes during the flight
In the car
• Always keep a water bottle handy in your bag or car
• Store snack portions of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, protein bars, Vita wheats or rice crackers
• Remember there aren’t always healthy choices available on the roadside. So be organised and pack a meal or snack from home if you know you’ll be out during a normal meal time
At the hotel
• Request a room without a mini bar, or request that the mini bar be removed
• When you arrive, buy some fresh fruit as a convenient snack in your room
• Schedule 30-60 minutes of activity per day. Use the gym or explore the city you’re in
• Order a continental breakfast or healthy a-la-carte choice, rather than the full buffet
At functions
• Have a water, soda or tonic water with lemon or lime between each alcoholic drink
• Avoid arriving at a function hungry- Have a healthy meal or snack before you arrive
• Stand away from the snack table, waitors' pathway or bar
• Opt to stand rather than sit, as this will keep you more active
• Slowly savour each h'orderve & limit the number you have during the night
• Avoid smoking- Don't tempt yourself by standing near others who smoke
• Dance the night away, to burn off any extra kilojoules
At restaurants
• Walk to the restaurant if possible, or at least park 500 metres away
• Avoid filling yourself up on bread- Wait till your meal arrives before eating
• Avoid ordering an entree or dessert- Or, if you must, at least share with someone
• Choose a meal that ideally includes plenty of vegetables or salad
• Make healthy choices- Refer to the below 'Eating Out Guide'
