I have traveled a lot as Miss Teen USA and as a spokesperson. I spend a lot of time, almost too much time, in hotels, airports and Amtrak stations. Here are my tips for staying healthy on the road, whether it’s for pleasure or business…
Flight/Travel Day
-Pack (+ exercise clothes/sneakers, vitamins/meds, & healthy snacks)
-Print boarding passes & all confirmation paperwork ahead of time
*organization=happiness & no stress
-Get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip
-Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport or your destination, to help eliminate stress & to make for more enjoyable trip
-Smile as you go thru TSA (or tolls on the road)!
-Once through security (or on the road), scope out healthy food options
-Fresh fruit, veggies, salads, nut trail mixes, chewing gum and protein bars are great choices
-Avoid fast foods, soda and pastries
-While on board/road, take walk breaks- walk the aisles or at the rest stop & stretch, keep that blood flowing
-While seated, rotate ankles; up-down, clockwise + counter clockwise, it helps to eliminate cramps & blood clots
-Use antibacterial gel to keep hands clean especially before snacking
-Drink water… Stay hydrated!
-Pack (+ exercise clothes/sneakers, vitamins/meds, & healthy snacks)
-Print boarding passes & all confirmation paperwork ahead of time
*organization=happiness & no stress
-Get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip
-Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport or your destination, to help eliminate stress & to make for more enjoyable trip
-Smile as you go thru TSA (or tolls on the road)!
-Once through security (or on the road), scope out healthy food options
-Fresh fruit, veggies, salads, nut trail mixes, chewing gum and protein bars are great choices
-Avoid fast foods, soda and pastries
-While on board/road, take walk breaks- walk the aisles or at the rest stop & stretch, keep that blood flowing
-While seated, rotate ankles; up-down, clockwise + counter clockwise, it helps to eliminate cramps & blood clots
-Use antibacterial gel to keep hands clean especially before snacking
-Drink water… Stay hydrated!
On Your Trip
At the hotel
-Request a fridge in your room and a quiet room away from the elevator
-Remember your body still needs rest; try to stick close to your wake up/bed times
-Silicon ear plugs are awesome to block out noisy neighbors or crying baby
-Find closest grocery store (or Walgreens in a pinch)-Stock up on more healthy snacks & water, and meal options if sick of eating out
-Locate the fitness center, and try to squeeze in your normal workouts while on the road
-Something is always better than nothing!
-Exercise bands are great staple; they don’t take up any space, and you can use them almost anywhere
-Continue to take your vitamins
-Ask Concierge about local favorites & healthy food options
-Walk to discover the area & see the sights, take a walking tour of the city
-Enjoy it, even if you’re there for business
At a restaurant
-Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
-Want coffee or alcohol? Remember to alternate with water
-Breakfast: Keep it simple & don’t overdo it…
-Oatmeal, eggs, turkey bacon, wheat toast, yogurt, granola, or egg white & veggie omelet
-Lunch: Again, keep it simple…
-Salad, grilled protein & veggies, broth based soup
-Dinner: Be smart & realistic…
-If you kept it simple & healthy all day, splurge a little on some local favorites
-Skip the dessert, or at least share one with others
-Try to fill up on veggies or salad instead of bread & fried appetizers
Attending a conference or theme park
-Pack snacks & water to avoid hunger pains, and the dreaded impluse food carts & trays
Overall planning and organization can help with a stress-free trip. Be smart about what you eat; take your vitamins & rest; drink lots of water; and lastly, move and enjoy the area!
