On the Go Diet Tips

From fast food to room service, business travelers face a lot of unhealthy temptations on the road. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to abandon your diet when you're traveling for work. Learn how to make healthier choices with these easy tips.




1. Pack Your Own In-Flight Snacks

Unless you are in first class, you aren't getting anything to eat or drink without shelling out some moola. Not only that, but the snack boxes aren't exactly healthy (though we love pretzels and peanuts as much as the next person). Instead, stash a few healthy granola or protein bars in your carry-on, or pack some unsalted, heavy-on-the-fruit trail mix (hint: the ones with M&M's aren't the best pick here, sadly).



2. Eat Breakfast

Whether at home or in the hotel, try to make time for breakfast every day. You'll be less inclined to hit the office muffin cart or overeat at that lunch is you've started your day out with a healthy meal. If you are dining at the hotel, try to eat fruit and non-sugared cereal with a boiled egg. Carb-laden breakfast treats, while tasty, aren't your friend.



3. Do Your Own Cooking

If you are in an extended stay hotel, you'll most likely have a small cooktop and microwave. Avoid eating out and hit the local grocery store for some fresh fruit, oatmeal packets and healthy, microwaveable dinners (pay attention to the sodium levels!)



4. Drive-Through with Caution

It's hard to avoid the drive-thru on the road, but you can find healthy options amid the burgers and fried nuggets. Look for words like "grilled" and order all sandwiches without mayo, cheese or spcial sauces. Eliminating a bun can shave off extra calories, as well. Order salads with vinaigrette dressings on the side, and avoid fatty toppings like cheese, croutons and those tasty fried noodles. FitnessMagazine.com has compiled a handy cheat-sheet of the healthiest eats at fast food eateries and popular chain restaurants to make sticking to your diet even easier on the go.



5. Order Wisely

If you can choose where to eat, steer your dinner party toward Japanese over Chinese, Pizza instead of Mexican. Salads might seem like an obvious choice, but fad-laden dressings and toppings can pack on the calories, so be sure to choose light dressings (on the side!), grilled chicken or fish protein and filling ingredients like beans and avocado. Opt for the plainest chicken or fish dish on the menu, avoid buttery sauces, and ask for extra broccoli or veggie medley instead of fries or a potato.