Guest Blogger
Plan Ahead to Get Ahead! Committing to Your Weight-loss Goals
Sticking to a weight-loss regimen is difficult enough to do while you are immersed in your daily routine, but throw a special event, work trip or vacation in the mix and it seems as though those goals sink lower and lower on the priority list. Focusing on immediate gratification is always easier (and sometimes more fun) but it’s the long-term satisfaction that we have to keep in mind!
Sustainable weight loss is not a quick and easy process that we can take when we want and leave when we don’t. It requires commitment, sweat and sacrifice! Are you prepared to do what it takes to lose those pounds, no matter what environment you are in or what temptations arise?
After a weekend in Las Vegas with family, I came home feeling pretty good about keeping my health and fitness in mind while I was away, but I know I could have done more to feel even better my ability to resist the temptations around me. Being surrounded by all-you-can-eat buffets, tasty cocktails, luxurious cuisine, second-hand smoke and overpriced basic necessities is not exactly the most conducive environment for the health-conscious and was definitely a test of my commitment to a healthy lifestyle. I took the liberty of keeping a running list of tips and tricks that will hopefully help you stay on track no matter where you are!
-Keep water in your hotel room. Lots of it. If you are going on a road trip, stock up on the gallon bottles, which are usually cheaper than individually-sized bottles.
-Opt to walk—if you are in a new place, plan to walk as much as possible. You’ll discover new places, interesting people and burn calories! Better yet, take an organized walking tour of your destination! http://www.countrywalkers.com/portal/site/CountryWalkers/
-Indulge…once or twice. Keep it to a minimum on an extra-special occasion so you don’t feel deprived.
-Bring your exercise clothes! If your hotel has a gym, you are all set. If not, check out the area and find a place to run, walk or do some exercises.
-Make healthy choices at restaurants. Get your veggies steamed, opt for low-fat dressing and avoid the fried stuff!
-If you go to a buffet, resist the urge to pile your plate. Start with a small salad or soup before your entrée. Make multiple trips and serve yourself small portions so you don’t end up overeating or wasting food.
-Have healthy snacks in your hotel room, car, and purse. Sometimes meals are hard to plan while travelling, but keeping a banana or granola bar on-hand will prevent your blood sugar
from dropping and will help you make more thoughtful decisions at restaurants.
-Drink smart cocktails!
-Sleep in!
How do you stay fit away from home? Post your tip in the comments by 3pm Friday October 15, 2010 to enter to win a SENSA Fitness Pack (SENSA yoga mat, water bottle, and towel). Winner will be chosen at random
October 14th, 2010 at 10:54 am
I like to bring my bathing suit, and swim in the hotel pool. I also love to do push-ups on the wall, also!
October 14th, 2010 at 11:02 am
When I travel, I look up the nearest school with a track and go there to walk. I like the rubberized tracks that are easier on my joints, and sometimes I strike up interesting conversations with fellow walkers who can tell me more about their community.
October 14th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Recently I went on vacation to Michigan. While there we brought the gym shoes to take advantage of the hotel gym. We did a lot of walking and tried to eat healthy. We would eat the healthier items from the contential breakfast, cereal and yogurts, and have one meal that wasn’t so good for you but is delicious, such as pizza.
October 14th, 2010 at 11:09 am
I exercise for our afternoon break at work. One of the others in the office and myself go in the back office where we brought a TV and DVD player and we do a walk a mile dvd. It’s great exercise and gives us energy to get through the afternoon slums.
October 14th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Brought a TV and DVD player into the back office and we do a walk a mile dvd. for our afternoon break.
October 14th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
While at work on your break take a walk around the building and make sure you still drink plenty of water. Also, while at your desk you can do stretching exercises. I used to do squats at my desk between calls and use my handheld squeezer to work my hands and make them stronger. Also I used to pack my snacks and lunches before hand to keep from buying out. Some work place now have gyms and so you can go and get on the elliptical, or treadmill after work or for die hards during your lunch for 30mins.
October 14th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
When I travel, I make sure to pack my workout clothes and a resistance band. I feel guilty when I go to the trouble of packing workout stuff and don’t use it, so it helps keep me on track while I travel!!!
October 15th, 2010 at 8:00 am
These are such fantastic ideas!
October 15th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
When Im away from home I Love to Pack some healthy snacks plus my sensa so Im always eating the right foods plus plenty of water but I stay fit by always having an extra pair of workout clothes in my car at all times and when Im away I make sure to go to the park and while my son is playing on the toys I am jogging in place doing squats lundges push ups and sit ups then before we leave my son and I take a 1 mile hike then stretching afterwards. and when we go out of town I always make sure to use the gym and pool where we are at plus what really helps is when you go to a store or a mall park far away so that you get some extra steps in for the day.
October 15th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Thank you to everyone that submitted a tip. The winner of the SENSA Yoga mat and water bottle is DEE BREWER! Congratulations Dee!
October 24th, 2010 at 5:58 am
I loved your post and the ideas provided. There are plenty of ideas out there that are both good and bad. If you know of any more suggestions concerning travel tips or simliar topics, that would be much appreciated. Keep up the good writing!