At SWEAT in Dallas, TX, we are big believers in the 80/20 diet philosophy. Following this diet philosophy may be easy to stick to at home, sometimes it can feel more like 20/80 when you’re traveling. However, traveling doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthily. With a little planning, a lot of discipline, and a commitment to eating the right foods, you can still enjoy yourself when you travel without completely sabotaging your weight loss or fitness goals.
Always Pack Your Supplements
You don’t have to live without your protein, vitamins, or your health supplements just because you’re traveling. At the same time, you don’t have to try to fit your entire protein container in your carry-on. Pack several scoops of your protein, daily greens powders, pre-workout, or hydrator into separate Ziplock bags. Powders are easy to pack and will easily clear security, plus, having them on hand will help you give your body what it needs while you’re traveling without requiring that you even check a bag.
Practice Moderation
Vacation and traveling of any kind are always a departure from your daily routine. Even if you can’t cook every meal while you’re away, you’ll need to know how to order at restaurants so that you can fill your body with nutritious foods that help you maintain balanced blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels high.
Plan accordingly if you’re going to a restaurant. If you know you can’t pass up the chips and guacamole, a favorite sugary cocktail, or a dessert, use the 80/20 rule throughout your day and focus on eating as healthy as possible so that your indulgence later on won’t impact your weight loss or fitness goals.
Book a Hotel With a Kitchenette
If you can, book a hotel or vacation rental with a small kitchen where you can cook at least a few of your meals during your time away from home. If you can’t find accommodations with a kitchen, try to find one with at least a kitchenette. If all else fails, you may be able to request a small refrigerator from the front desk so you can stock healthy snacks in your room. That way, you won’t completely depend on room service and restaurants for your each and every meal.
Meal replacement shakes, protein drinks, fresh vegetables. Hummus, fruits, and green juices are easy to stock in a refrigerator. Having healthy foods within reach that don’t require high-maintenance food prep is key to staying on track. Then, when you do eat out, you can follow our guide on how to eat healthy at a restaurant so that you can give your body what it needs, keep your energy levels high, and maintain balanced blood sugar.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
There are plenty of healthy snacks you can pack in your carry-on alongside your supplements that will help you maintain balanced blood sugar and curb cravings. Nuts, clean protein bars, green drinks, and other nutrient-rich snacks will keep you satiated on the road, in-flight, and between meals so that when it’s time for lunch or dinner, you don’t overeat and make unhealthy food choices.
If you can’t pack healthy snacks ahead of time, find a natural grocery store nearby your hotel or vacation rental that carries healthy, organic items and stock up on quick and easy food items. Simply having these on hand will enable you to maintain the 80/20 diet approach. And when you do indulge, you won’t have to feel guilty or worry about sabotaging your goals because you’ll be taking a healthy and balanced approach to nutrition on the road.
Don’t Let Your Travel Plans Derail Your Diet
Traveling doesn’t have to derail your diet. With moderation, preparation, and a commitment to practicing the 80/20 ratio daily, you can maintain your healthy lifestyle no matter where your travels take you. If you need help adding the right type of workouts into your daily routine, we can help. Contact us at SWEAT in Dallas, TX, to learn more about personal training and our group fitness classes that will help you break a sweat and become the best version of yourself.
