Have some travel plans coming up? These are the moments when it’s easy to cut yourself some slack… and gradually pave the way to falling off the wagon completely. As a fitness and nutrition accountability coach, I want to help you make sure that doesn’t happen.
It Comes Down to 2 Simple Steps
When I think about all of my clients who have stayed on track with their fitness and eating while traveling, their success simply comes down taking these 2 essential steps: packing and planning. Just like it’s important to have your home and kitchen set up for success, your suitcase is no exception. You want to pack items that support a health and exercise mindset while you travel. This applies to both work trips and holidays. And in the same way you plan ahead to book excursions, take in the sights or try new restaurants, be sure to make the time to plan for healthy eating and activities.
Step #1: Pack for Fitness
Make it easy for yourself to workout anytime, anywhere. It’s much easier to find motivation if you’re prepared. Pack these essentials:
- Jump rope
- Resistance bands
- Cross trainers
- Quick drying, moisture-wicking workout clothes
- Your favorite playlist
These items will ensure you always have what you need for a workout—no excuses (If you’re curious about what types of exercises work best for a travel workout, connect with me on Instagram). Now, let’s talk about your game plan.
Step #2: Plan for Fitness and Nutrition BEFORE Your Trip
Do some research and planning beforehand to go into your vacation with a game plan. Here are my top actionable tips to check off:
Look for a nearby gym.
If you have a chain gym membership, see if one of your gyms is nearby wherever you’re staying. If not, you might be able to get a day- or week-long pass, which most gyms offer to non-members.
If neither of those are an option, see what active opportunities are around you. For example:
See if you can walk to any fun locations.
If you have fun destinations planned during the day, see if there’s a way to walk or bike to them instead of driving or taking public transit. You’ll easily get in some extra exercise and have a unique chance to explore the area!
Look for running paths, bike paths, or hiking locations.
Give yourself the option of outdoor activity by looking for places where you can jump on a bike, go for a walk or fit in a run.
If nothing else, there’s always the option to go for a walk around the neighborhood or do a workout in the room where you’re staying. Use those resistance bands, put on your training shoes and grab your jump rope to create a quick and fun workout for yourself. If it’s beautiful where you’re vacationing or traveling to, do it outside!
Anticipate your meals and decide in advance when you can.
If you’re staying in a hotel, can you plan for a healthy breakfast based on what they provide? Some hotels will include an overview of their breakfast items online, or you can make a quick call to find out.
If you’re staying with relatives or friends, let them know about your goals to eat healthy while away. They might already have some foods you can utilize while there, but if not, how can you provide them yourself? What can you pack to take with you? And where’s the nearest grocery store where you can buy the items you need?
Focus first on vegetables, fruits, healthy proteins, and healthy fats.
Make it your game plan priority to seek out these foods before anything else. This will help you focus on the best basics no matter where you’re eating and fill yourself up with good nutrition even amidst the working client dinners or “vacation food.”
The biggest takeaways here: pack smart, prepare a plan, and fit nutrition and physical activity into each travel day.
And if you need help implementing this or simply want to learn more about working with a fitness and nutrition coach, I’d be delighted to speak with you – contact me!