Traveling for the Holidays and Healthy Eating

As we get closer to the holiday season, you may spend a significant amount of time away from your home. Whether on a vacation in the mountains or a family trip to visit the in-laws, it’s always necessary to plan and prepare so you can still achieve your goals! Here are our 5 best tips for conquering holiday travel.

1. Prep, Prep, Prep

While traveling, you might not have control over the food you see, the foods you’re being served, or the foods provided at the airports. To combat this, it is important to set time aside to plan what your days away will look like. Some questions to ask yourself:

• Will I have access to vegetables, protein, and healthy fats?
• Will my mealtimes be interrupted? If so, is there anything I can do to help with this?
• Where will I cook dinner and how will I store it?
• If I’m dining out, what will I order?

Asking these questions will help you create a foolproof plan.

2. Ask Your Family for Support

Being on a diet while traveling and seeing friends and family can be difficult. It can be even more so when you’re changing habits in secrecy. Before you leave for your trip, talk to your family about how they can best support you. Other places that can provide you with support are your Awaken180° coach, the Awaken180° Facebook group, or the Behavioral Modification tapes accessible on your online portal.

3. Be Mindful of What Your Body Needs

When we are busy with the holidays and moving around a lot, we’ll sometimes forget to eat or overeat. It is important to recognize signs of hunger and be aware that sometimes it can present itself differently. When we feel tired, sluggish, nauseous, or faint, it can be an indication that we are hungry. Ask yourself when was the last time I ate? Or drank water? When you meet with your coach each week you may hear them talk about being mindful of what your body needs. This should continue to be prioritized even during the holidays.

Around the holiday stress can also be heightened. Be mindful of what you’re doing for stress relief! Some great stress relievers are reading, walking, writing…or screaming into a pillow!

4. Airports, Convenience Stores, Restaurants…Oh My!

Whether traveling by train, plane, or automobile, you may find yourself in the middle of a mealtime that you haven’t prepared for. That’s okay, it happens! When it comes to travel, we recommend bringing your Awaken180° products with you. They’re convenient, small, and TSA-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about choosing an option that is unhealthy. If you’re unable to bring your products with you I would recommend trying to find cheese sticks, jerky sticks, hard-boiled eggs, or nuts. These are all great sources of clean protein.

While on our program, we encourage going to restaurants and spending time coaching individuals on how to find the best options at restaurants. We also recommend re-reading the travel packet and restaurant information sheet for more guidance.

5. If You Get Off the Bus, Get Back On Without the Guilt

Life happens! Sometimes, despite planning, things can change. When this happens, it is important to bounce back without guilt. Other negative emotions may arise, but remember that you’re human and you’re doing the best you can. Take each meal one at a time and be kind to yourself. It can be challenging to get back on the program once you’ve gotten off it, but we encourage you to remember what your end goal is! What are you trying to achieve and what will happen when you do?

Navigating the holidays can be tricky, it requires extra planning and consideration but is doable. Before you leave for your trip, spend time thinking about what obstacles may arise and the game plan to beat them. Additionally, focus on what your body needs and doesn’t need. We are here to support you through this holiday season.