10 Tips for Staying on Your Weight Loss Plan While Traveling

From the stress of busy airports to an altered sleeping and eating schedule, traveling can throw you off your routine and make it difficult to stick to your weight loss plan. When you’ve worked hard to adopt healthier habits and make better choices, it’s only natural that you don’t want your hard work to go down the drain.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you stay on track even when traveling.

Tip #1 – Stop by a local market

Before you head off on your trip, research the area and find out where the local markets are located. Along with meal replacement products, fresh, natural foods make up the Nova Physician Wellness meal plan. Stopping by a local market to pick up nutritious foods to store in your hotel or rental makes it much easier to stick to your meal plan.

Tip #2 – Book a room with a kitchenette

If your travel involves staying in a hotel room, request a room with a kitchenette. This may come at a slightly higher cost, but it’s worth it when you’re investing in your health and wellness. Even a small kitchenette is more than enough to prepare healthy meals to stay on track with your weight loss plan.

Tip #3 – Plan a menu ahead

Knowing what you’re going to eat while traveling reduces stress and anxiety, increases the chances that you’ll stay on your weight loss plan, and makes it easier to do so. Before leaving, think about the healthy foods you eat at home as part of the Nova Physician Wellness Program and plan a similar menu for the time you’ll be away.

Tip #4 – Do your meal prep early in your stay

Most travel involves a jam-packed itinerary of things to do, places to go, and things to see. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of a different locale, you may lack the time to prepare healthy meals each day. To stay on track, prepare all of your meals for the week early in your stay, the first or second day you arrive, if possible. This way your meals are ready and you can avoid the added stress.

Tip #5 – Focus on grab-and-go foods

You’re unlikely to have a lot of extra time to cook meals. When planning your menu and shopping, focus on grab-and-go foods that are fast and easy and travel well. This way once you prepare your meals for your stay, you can grab your meals and go each day. Here are some ideas on grab-and-go foods to include on your shopping list:

• Boiled eggs
• Canned sardines
• Nuts and seeds
• Sliced vegetables
• Hummus
• Tofu
• String cheese
• Yogurt
• Edamame
• Oatmeal packets or cups
• Protein bars
• Fruit

Tip #6 – Pick up collapsible meal prep containers

To save room in your luggage and in your home away from home, pick up collapsible containers. They remain collapsed and take up little space when they’re empty. When you’re done eating, you can collapse the container to save room in your bag each day of the trip. These handy containers can make a major difference when you’re carrying around healthy meals.

Tip #7 – Get organized

It’s difficult to stay on track with your weight loss plan if you’re disorganized. For things to go smoothly during your travel, organization can make all the difference. It’s wise to arrange everything before you head out on your trip. Tips include preparing a folder with a checklist, grocery list, and menu, as well as a meal organizer bag that has separate compartments for your meal containers.

Tip #8 – Mind your portions

A treat here or there is unlikely to cause major problems. However, if you do choose to indulge, share your treat with others or divide the portion and save the rest for another time. Travel weight gain is a common occurrence and can certainly happen if you aren’t mindful of your portions.

Tip #9 – Stay hydrated

Water helps the body burn calories and can help regulate your appetite. It’s easy when you’re on the go to forget to drink enough water. To stay hydrated, carry a water bottle with you and aim to drink at least eight glasses. Shoot for even more if you engage in a lot of physical activity while on your trip.

Tip #10 – Get moving

Keeping your body moving is a great way to ensure that you stick to your weight loss plan. Getting plenty of physical activity, even while away from home, is a great reminder of all your hard work, and exercise has a positive influence on weight balance. Don’t just lie on the beach catching the sun’s rays. Engage in activities that get you moving, like swimming or simply walking.

The team at Nova Physician Wellness Center is dedicated to helping patients lose weight and reach their wellness goals. If you need comprehensive weight management care, stop by one of our offices in Fairfax or Leesburg, Virginia. Call today to schedule an appointment or book online at your convenience.