Healthy Habits for Business Travelers

Maintaining a healthy diet while on vacation is definitely a feat. However, maintaining that healthy diet while on a business trip can pose far more of an obstacle. Trade shows and conferences often serve dozens of deep fried, cheese-filled appetizers. Lunch time is usually rushed and dinner time is a social event filled with wines and sirloin steak. Not only are these heavy foods unhealthy, but they can leave you feeling bloated and lethargic. If you keep a few simple things in mind, making healthy food choices will be a breeze.

Don't skip breakfast. You may be in a rush to get to the trade show floor or that morning meeting, but make sure you start your day nutritiously. Most bagel shops and even many coffee shops have peanut butter as an alternative to cream cheese. Peanut butter on a whole grain bagel provides you with protein and will tie you over for much longer than cream cheese. If you're fortunate enough to find a breakfast joint that serves eggs try that with some turkey on a whole grain bagel. Having a complete breakfast will keep you from snacking on pastries or high-sodium snacks. It also puts your metabolism into drive early in the day and that's never a bad thing.

Skip fried foods when lunch time comes around. Fried foods and carb-filled meals will slow you down while you're on the road and its likely that nap time is something you will not be able to afford. A salad, though a healthy and light choice, is unlikely to fill you up. Try a grilled chicken breast and substitute the fries or rice with a salad. If you have the luxury of taking a long lunch break, check out the menus for healthy restaurant choices before you leave your hotel. With Blackberrys and iPhones being in everyone's hands these days, finding out what's available shouldn't be hard. If you don't have time to sit down for lunch and are stopping at a sandwich shop, try to grab a pita or tortilla wrap as it cuts down on your carbohydrate intake. Most delis will now allow you to substitute fries or potato chips with raw veggies or fruits. Think delicious and nutritious and you're sure to make good decisions.

When you are out on the town schmoozing, alcohol and red meat will inevitably be part of your business meals. If you would like to enjoy the aforementioned culinary combination, you do not have to deprive yourself. Just remember to be reasonable. If you consume a broth based soup or a glass of water before you start drinking alcohol, it will fill you up so that you are less inclined to drink quickly or excessively. Though red wine is the best choice, if you must order a cocktail try to keep it light and with as little sugar as possible. Have soda water as a mixer rather than coca-cola, sprite or tonic. A 16 ounce steak may be tempting, 8 ounces of red meat and a plate full of broccoli will definitely leave you and your heart feeling better at the end of the night. Skip dessert. If everyone else is ordering, try a skim cappuccino (decaf, if you need to get to bed any time soon) with no whip cream. It will satisfy your sweet tooth, while forgoing all of the extra fat and calories.

Having a nutritious breakfast and making smart substitutes and healthy restaurant choices will keep you feeling great while you're on the road. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as flying can dehydrate which will increase the effect of alcohol. When in doubt, think about how you're going to feel once you have finished that meal. If you're going to feel full and sleepy, it's probably not the right choice. If you can clean your plate and keep that bounce in your step, you're on the right track. Bon appetit!