Eating on the road can take you out of your routine and can mean less time to make healthier choices.
From entertaining clients, which probably includes more drinking than usual, to all-you-can-eat buffets, there’s no wonder it’s hard to stay healthy while travelling for business.
Here’s 5 tips for eating well when you’re away from home:
1 Pre-plan snacks before you go
Buy some healthy snacks to keep in your bag or in your hotel room to avoid reaching for a tempting calorific fix in between meals. A bag of nuts or seeds or fruit bars will more often that not, fill the gap.
2 Water for brain power
Thirst often disguises itself as hunger. Keep a bottle of water in your bag, so you can remain hydrated throughout the day. Drinking lots of water not only helps you look younger by keeping your skin plump, but has benefits like increasing your brain’s reaction time. A recent study in the UK analysed the potential effects of water on cognitive performance and mood among 34 participants with an average age of 29 years. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that reaction times were faster after people drank water with food,versus consuming food alone.
3 Give yourself choices
No-one wants to be a Debbie Downer. So by all means have that evening glass of wine, or that doughnut but just be balanced about it. Keep mental notes like “I wont have the fry up this morning, so I can have that pudding later.” It’s all about balance.
4 Pick brain foods
When you’re making your lunch choice, try and choose brain foods that will help your concentration and focus. Foods like walnuts, beetroot, fish, berries and lean protein are all good choices. Are you feeling righteous enough yet?
5 Packing your own lunch
If you’re not going away on business for a long time, pack your own food for the day. It will help you avoid tempting motor service food options and you can manage your portion control and limit naughty foods.
