From my Suitcase

By Emily Saunders

All through my husband’s many years of medical school/residency training I dreamed of the day that I would finally be able to join him at a medical conference and the day has finally arrived!  We spent 4 blissful baby-free days outside of Las Vegas at a beautiful resort and, for the first time in 9 months, I truly relaxed.  I missed my boy like crazy, but our couple and recharge time was so very needed.  It was lovely!

Now about this relaxation stuff:  Why is it so easy to relax our eating habits when we relax our minds and bodies?   Can you identify with this…. “I was doing SO well working toward my goals and then I went on a work trip/vacation/weekend trip/family visit and I totally blew it”?  I’m pretty sure at least 90% of you just raised your hand.  We’re all guilty of this.  From childhood most of us learn to equate celebration of any kind with indulgent food.  Add travel to celebratory mode and it’s enough to make most Moms cringe at the thought of wearing their skinny jeans.

The big question:  How can we combat this mindset or at least minimize the damage? 

A little mental and hands on preparation and planning my friends

Here are my Top Tips for Sticking with it on the Go:

1.  Pack:  Nuts, hard fruit, protein powder, oats, protein bars and jerky travel well even on an airplane.  I packed all of this except for one protein bar into my checked luggage.

From my Suitcase

2.  Shop:  Find a nearby grocery store and pick up the essentials.  Fruit, hard-boiled and peeled eggs, almond/coconut milk and bottled water.  We paid extra for a small refrigerator/microwave for our room.  These are available almost ANYWHERE if you ask and end up being cheaper than buying breakfast every day.  Starting the day off with a protein packed breakfast (just like at home), will get you started on the right track for the day.

The Refrigerator- Don’t Mind the Breast Milk

3.  Choose:  I’m not for 1 minute going to tell you never to indulge in a treat while on vacation.  That’s unrealistic and will just make you crazy!  Instead choose wisely.  Give yourself permission to indulge at one rich meal or to have a couple of small treats throughout the trip.  Instead of winging it, plan in advance so that you are ready to make good choices at other meals.  At other meals prioritize veggies (fiber/water) and protein to keep you well fueled and cravings in check.

Shrimp and Scallops Skewer with Spinach and Ratatouille for Dinner

Microwave-Cooked Scrambled Eggs will do in a Pinch

There was a Cheesecake Factory right down the street from our hotel.  I planned to treat myself to “whatever I wanted” that night and a glass of wine another night.   Nothing crazy- nothing over the top- but I was completely satisfied and didn’t feel like I was “deprived” while on vacation.  I even felt a little crappy the next day- food is information ya’ll!

4.  Hydrate:  Drink water- lots of it- even more than you normally do!  Travel, especially air travel, has a way of dehydrating us AND disrupting our normal digestion.  By prioritizing water intake we can combat bloat, dry skin, dehydration and even hunger and cravings.  Keep your giant bottle handy and chug!!!

5.  Exercise:  Our bodies can easily feel lethargic and “out of whack” while traveling.  Nothing helps us combat this better than MOVING!  Go out for  a walk and explore your surroundings, do body weight squats, lunges and push-ups in your hotel room, sprint the stairs at a local park- anything!  Your muscles, metabolism, and digestive system will thank you!!

You’re ready!  Have a great trip!!!!