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7 tips to good eating, east coast, fitness, gym, health, hydrate, lifestyle, outdoor workout, plane, travel, washington dc, working out, workout
I’m currently in the midst of final papers for the spring semester right now. And I’m hustling to finish everything because I fly out to Washington D.C this Friday for a crash course in Campaigns. As much as I am excited about the whole trip (since I have never been to the East Coast) … I’m also afraid of making horrible choices when it comes to eating. I did devise a plan to hopefully help me stay on track!
One tip I always tell everyone is if the gym isn’t available… make the outdoors and your surroundings your own personal gym. I think it’s a great way to get some fresh air, utilize what you got for an awesome circuit training workout, and most importantly see sights in a different light. I learned thru bootcamp classes that weights aren’t necessary for a good workout and neither is the gym. I plan on taking a resistance band with me that I can tie around trees and fences (legally of course) for a good bicep/tricep workout. Washington D.C also has the national mall which is approximately 5-6 miles or so I’ve heard. So I plan to run half or the entire thing early morning prior to my appointments. I was going to try and do a stair workout by the War Memorial or Arlington Cemetery.
You can get a good workout on these stairs, early morning before tourists arrive. Good for your legs and good for some cardio! It’s a great way to enjoy some of the sights and get a little sunshine in your life. I can’t wait! And since I’m training for my first marathon, running outdoors is something I love now. As a grad student, we all hardly see some sunshine so this is awesome. It makes me appreciate my running a bit more.
And if you’re traveling… don’t forget your choices for food consumption as well! Here are 7 steps to help you remember to be aware and good to your body you’ve worked so hard to earn!
1. Pack foods in Advance: Food can still be packed in your carry on and your check in bag, so why not purchase some snacks to keep your stomach happy and your brain functioning! Dried Fruit, nuts, crackers, granola bars, protein bars, and protein powder are great examples of what to pack in your bag. If you’re traveling by car… pack a cooler and stock that baby up!
2. Buy it On Your Way: Make the right choice when purchasing food at the airport. Of course, its going to cost way more… an arm, maybe a leg. Lots of terminals sell sandwiches and fruit, so that choice shouldn’t be too hard. Get a turkey sandwich, maybe a salad, or a fruit bowl. Don’t forget the water.
3. Don’t forget to look around: You check in early and instead of purchasing the first thing you see… scope it out. Look at all your options before you make a decision. You might regret buying that pizza knowing there was a salad bar right down the hall.
4. Call Ahead: If you’re flying, call the airline for a meal plan. Most airlines will now accommodate passengers with gluten-free, vegetarian, low-sodium meals etc. I just called Southwest to let them know I had a dairy allergy. And they were so kind to let me know they had snacks available during snack time that I can have. And healthy too! Thanks Southwest. 🙂
5. Stay Mindful: Traveling can sometimes take a toll on people…so remember that you’re body needs to stay healthy in order for you to function properly. Food is fuel. So fuel it with something good.
6. Hydrate Yourself: Water. It’s so important to drink plenty of water. Resist buying juices and sodas. Your body will thank you later for it. Plus, its good for your skin since it tends to dry up in high altitudes.
7. Smart Restaurant Choices: Remember if your eating out (which you probably are) make good choices. Take a look at the menu ahead of time if you can. Choose meats and fish that are steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached, or roasted. Always get a side of vegetables that are steamed or sauteed. Always get any sauce if you can on the side. And most importantly, limit the alcohol.
Here’s a really cool chart I found of the top airports that have healthy food choices:
And lucky for me my airport is listed! Baltimore is going to help me with my food choices!
And most importantly, if you are on vacation … there is no reason for you not to enjoy it. A cheat meal here and there isn’t going to ruin you, but if you are trying to reach your goals and keep a sustainable healthy lifestyle then do what you believe will help you in the long run!
Wish me luck on my journey to the East Coast! I’ll have to post some pictures of my workouts and good eats! I’m looking forward to some good coffee actually! Happy Travels Fitness Foodie Lovers! 🙂