Suggestions on how to eat healthy while away from home

Slainte · June 2011

I have changed my diet dramatically over the past few months. Yesterday was my daughters birthday so I had several foods I'm not used to anymore, eggs beni, sausage, bacon, taco salad and choc cream pie ( the menu choice was at my daughters request ). I really didn't feel good yesterday (shocking right!?). Well my problem is we are going away for a week and will be staying in a hotel with out too much acess to groceries. Any suggestions as to how to eat well while away?

Christine

3monstmama · June 2011

When you say you have changed your diet, can you be more specific?

For me, when I eat out, I have the convenience of a 13 year old boy. My meal comes, I cut it in half and pass one half to him. That way, whatever I am eatting, I am eatting less of it. So ordering eggs benny is no big issue because I'm just having a little. Otherwise, I never eat any fast food and avoid processed stuff. I also try to remember not to eat while doing something else (by which I mean something besides talking to family) because I find I eat more and don't notice it.

Perhaps you could order more salady things?

editted to add: what kinds of food do you like? I find a number of asian cuisines are really high on the fresh veggie front--thai, vietnamese, chinese.

Slainte · June 2011

We buy pretty much everything we can organic. I have cut sugar out almost entirely, my treat is dark choc. I have decreased meat and chicken and any I eat are organic and free range. No more processes anything. Decreased caffeine ( just balck tea in am) otherwise decaff green tea. I guess my "fear " of eating out comes from most things in restaurants being processed and not organic. When out I try to eat lots of salads, but still need some protiens too! I know my diet now isn't perfect but I didn't realize how much it had made me feel better until I fell off the wagon, so to speak

Member_of_the_Club · June 2011

The best thing you can do is research ahead of time. Some places have restaurants with organic items on the menu, so hit the internet and find out if there are any where you will be visiting. The hotel may be able to refer you as well. Otherwise, read menus ahead of time on-line so you can figure out what to order before you get there -- you are more likely to order something you will regret later if you are hungry.

elmcity69 · June 2011

hi slainte, i know what you mean. road trips = death to a good diet, in my opinion!

i have tried to order oatmeal wherever available - McDonald's even offers it now, and so does Starbucks (the latter offering much better stuff). i've also made trail mix with raw almonds, cashews, bits of dark organic chocolate. and only bring water.

i've roped myhusband into splitting an entree or a sandwich and we each have a salad - and if we order dessert, it's always shared now (sometimes, the disappointment on his face is hysterical)

i find breakfast food easy: oatmeal, egg whites, etc. i do think it's easier to eat healthy when going to an Indian or Asian restaurant - maybe finding those around the hotel, if possible.

hope you have a great trip, wherever you are going!

j

Slainte · June 2011

We are going to the opryland hotel in Nashville for my daughters dance competition. This hotel is huge and pretty much in the middle of nowhere so we are at the mercy of hotel restaurants. Thanks for the suggestions. They do have menus on line so I will plan ahead, and oatmeal for breaky is a good suggestion. Thanks. We will also take a cab to a grocery store at least once so I will try to get fresh fruit etc. Not sure how easy it will be to get organic though. We leave wed and will be away six days. Thanks for the suggestions.

Christine

dlb823 · June 2011

Christine, when I travel, I always pack a supply of energy or fiber bars (my favorites are by Gnu Foods) and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, which I use both to take the edge off my hunger before we go out to eat, and also as an emergency meal when there's nothing healthy convenient.

Another idea that may or may not work for you with your girls is to avoid the hotel restaurant one night in favor of a picnic in your room. My DH and I often do that when we travel -- stopping at a natural market for fruit, cheese, crackers, pate, wine (for him) and whatever else appeals, and making that our dinner, especially if we've had a big or late lunch.

Have a great time in Nashville! Deanna

mdg · June 2011

I feel your pain on this! We went to Chicago for a weekend. I researched restaurants before we went and tried to get a list of places we may want to try. I also packed lots of healthy snacks that I could have throughout the day so I would not get super hungry and want to snack on bad stuff. I packed apples, whole grain crackers, organic almonds and some homemade whole grain banana muffins that I baked ahead of time. When I am out I try to choose places that have vegetarian options at least so I can avoid the hormones.....if the meal comes with potatoes or rice, I ask for extra steamed veggies instead. I order a lot of salads or vegetarian soups too. When I go to someone's house for a party or even I am sure to bring something that I can eat. If it's for dinner I always volunteer to bring a large salad...I load it up with organic veggies and even organic garbanzo beans for some protein. I eat a lot of salad and a little of their food. If we are grilling out somewhere, I just bring hormone free chicken. I have also started to book accomodations that have a small kitchenette so I can at least have breakfast and snacks available so I don't have to eat poorly for every meal.

Member_of_the_Club · June 2011

There is (or at least there used to be) a restaurant in nashville run by hippies who live in a commune outside of town. If its still there, it serves yummy, organic fare.

apple · June 2011

salads.. avoid breakfast foods... I carry a box of granola type health cereal, fruit and nuts with me for the hotels.

Suggestions on how to eat healthy while away from home

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