Eating well on the road
Whether you’re gearing up to head to Las Vegas for Epicure Conference 2020—or heading away for business or vacation, being away from home can throw off your routine. It can be easy to get dehydrated, overindulge in food and drink, and to take a break from your regular exercise routine. The good news is that by planning ahead you can still enjoy your trip, dine at great restaurants, and stay on-plan. Before you go, take a bit of time and do some research—what’s near your hotel, how can you accommodate any restrictions, will you have access to a grocery store? Learning a bit before you go can make all the difference. And, remember, when it comes to dining, avoid all-you-can-eat buffets or stick to the fill-your-plate-only-once rule: your plate should be 50% vegetables, 25% protein, and 25% whole grains/starchy veggies. Often prepared foods have healthy fat.
Here are ten tips to help you stay on track
Taking a plane? Pack an empty water bottle and fill up once through security to stay hydrated. (Tip: drink 1 C/250 ml of water for every hour in flight to feel your best). Pack a few baggies of veggies, almonds, prewashed fruit, Turmeric & Ginger Enhanced Herbal Tea bags and vegan protein blend (simply add it to your water bottle and enjoy on the go). Depending on where you are travelling, enjoy it before you land.
Look up potential restaurants en route and at your destination. Choose Japanese, Thai, and Greek restaurants. They’re often easier on the waistline than Mexican, Chinese, Indian, or Italian.
Call your hotel to ask for a kettle, microwave, and bar fridge in your room so you can prepare breakfasts. When you travel with Rectangular Steamer, meals can be made quick and easy in your room.
Research grocery stores or markets are close by to buy fresh real food essentials: Greek yogurt, berries, veggies, protein.
Trip permitting; bring your own travel pack of power tools, which could include a bowl, cutlery, shaker, on-the-go tea mug, Steamer, Omelet Maker, Cruet, Prep Bowls, and resealable bags.
For road trips, fill a small cooler or insulated lunch bag with essentials. Try veggies, fruit, a whole-grain sandwich, yogurt, etc. and water with lemon or tea. Have picnics instead of fast food.
Eat before you leave or take a meal to eat on the go. Try a mason jar salad— easy, delicious, and packed in a recyclable container! Load up on veggies whenever you can.
Use the hotel’s pool and gym and ask locals for walking trail recommendations.
Stick to your exercise routine and eating schedule as much as possible. If jet lag is a concern, simply try to adjust your eating schedule with the time zone you are in to adjust quicker.
Travelling can cause occasional constipation. Drink water, eat your veggies and move more.
Hotel room breakfast ideas
Eating breakfast is probably one of the easiest and most convenient ways to enjoy good food in your hotel room. If you’re out all day, you can even return to your hotel room to relax and enjoy breakfast for dinner! Aim for 400 calories, 20–30 g protein, with healthy carbs and fat.
Yogurt Bowl
What you need: Bowl and spoon, access to a coffee maker and a bar fridge to store a few staples.
Mix ¾ C (180 ml) Greek yogurt
½ C (125 ml) berries
2–3 Tbsp (30–45 ml) nuts
Oatmeal Bowl
Place ¼ C (60 ml) quick-cooking oats (avoid instant packages) in a bowl, add hot water, and let set. Top with ¾ C (180 ml) 2% Greek yogurt or stir in a scoop of Power Up Chocolate Powder or Vanilla Optimum Vegan Protein and top with ½ C (125 ml) berries.
PREP TIPS:
Portion oatmeal in resealable bags. For extra flavour add Epicure spice or Sweet Dip Mix.
Swap berries for 2 Tbsp (30 ml) dried fruit (natural, no sugar or oils added)