Whether we are traveling for work or vacation we are faced with the challenge of how to stay healthy on the road. Many of you may go on trips with the best of intentions, may even have thrown in a pair of running shoes with your flip flops or briefcase, but, once you get to your destination you become to overwhelmed with business meetings or parasailing to focus on your health. Well, if this sounds familiar, listen up.

The key to keeping it healthy on the road is to commit before you go. It is not a matter of “If I have time” or ” I’ll just grab something to eat on the way”, you need to make a conscious choice to make eating healthy and exercising part of your trip. You will feel better, be more productive in meetings, be more willing to hit the jumbo slide with your kids at the pool. You will have a better trip!

Here are some tips to keep you on the right track:

• Plan your exercise. Look online and book hotels that have a fitness center or pool. One of my favorites, given the choice, is a Westin. Not only do they have great workout facilities but they usually have a bowl of fruit sitting somewhere. If no gym is available at the hotel in which your conference is booked. Run the stairs, run the halls, bring an exercise band or your favorite yoga DVD. Remember, you committed before you left so this stuff should be in your bag. If traveling with your spouse or family, let them know ahead of time that each morning you will need an hour to exercise, who knows, they may be inspired to come with you.
• Plan your food. You know you will be stuck on a plane at some point so be prepared. The following are my go to snacks that work great anytime, anyplace.

Individual bags of oatmeal mixed with raisins, flaxseed, cinnamon, cacao powder. All you need is hot water and you can find that easily.

Nuts and seeds. Include individual packets of Almond Butter (found at any New Seasons or Whole Foods).

Carrots aCnd Bananas travel really well.

Crackers such as Ak Maks or Wasa. Goes great with the Almond Butter.

Water, Water, Water. Best thing you can do for your body home or away.

• While you are there. Stop at a local store on the way to the hotel. Grab yogurt, cheese sticks, soy milk, and fruit. When you get to the hotel, clean out the mini bar fridge, and set it all aside and stick in your healthy snacks. Some hotels will let you rent a fridge as well. No, I have never been charged for moving the mini bar items out. Be sure to use the fridge for leftovers from meals out so you don’t feel the pressure to eat the whole plate. Now pull out those sneakers, hit the concierge and find the nearest walking/running route.

Whether you are schmoozing a client in Chicago or Kicking back on Kauai, make a plan and do it. Only you can make it happen.

About Author: Sherri Sacconaghi is a Holistic Health Coach and Personal Trainer and she loves nutrition and exercise! She practices a holistic approach to health and wellness which means she looks at how all areas of a person’s life are connected. She helps others develop an understanding of their foods and lifestyle choices, and helps implement lasting changes that will improve energy, balance and health, even in the craziest of days.

Sherri has changed her life by changing her lifestyle and eating habits and knows the power these changes can hold. Sherri received her training to practice Health Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Website: http://www.themissionofnutrition.com

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