Indigo jones

Recently, I have been commuting to Boston for a project that I am working on. My hotel, while very comfortable, is isolated. Set on a cliff above a highway, there isn’t an opportunity to go out, without calling a cab. There isn’t anywhere near the office to walk to either, so I need to impose on someone everyday to take to me get something for lunch.

At home, I am very rigid about keeping to a routine. I eat very healthfully, bring my lunch to the office wherever possible, and exercise everyday. I walk everywhere, and easily log the suggested 10,000 steps before getting to the office many days.

Being away from home poses a challenge to an uber healthy lifestyle, but it is surmountable. Last week taught me a few lessons in sustaining my diet and workout while away from home.

If you are a morning exerciser, get up and workout, whereever you are. It’s harder when you are away, but I have found that sticking to my familiar routine helps my body adjust to jet lag, and keeps me from feeling out of control. My hotel has a small but serviceable gym, which helps, but going for a run outside, or even a brisk walk, is better than dropping the ball completely. That a.m. workout habit didn’t come easily…disrupting it for long periods of time can make it harder to get back on track when you are home again.

Don’t be afraid to be one of those people who ask for sauce on the side or specially prepared food. There were days I thought I was making wise food decisions, only to discover that my vegetables were slathered in butter, and my simply grilled chicken breast was sitting atop a big bowl of creamed corn, the advertised spinach being a mere garnish, rather than a side dish. The bread basket posed an unusual temptation; one that doesn’t generally phase me. From now on, I will ask them to leave it off my tray. Now that I know that they liberally butter the steamed vegetables, I will request them plain. I will ask for a simply grilled chicken breast or salmon filet, without the sauce and trimmings, and order a side salad, or unbuttered vegetables on the side. I will ask for olive oil and lemon, instead of creamy salad dressings, and grilled vs. fried chicken on my salad. I am not asking them to make me things that they don’t offer; I am merely requesting that they leave something off. I will ask kindly, and thank them profusely, and I am certain they will be happy to oblige.

I noticed a Trader Joe’s and a gourmet market near the office. I asked my taxi driver to pull up, and I ran in and stocked up on Greek  yogurt, nuts, green tea, and fruit to keep in the office. I now have healthy food on hand when I am hungry, and I am no longer at the mercy of others to get me lunch.

The occasional business trip is not enough to completely derail your routine, but those of who are traveling regularly to the same location, consistency is key. I hope to employ these tactics this coming week, to get me back on track.

photo: Glasshouse Images

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