I’ve been traveling quite a bit recently introducing shopfiction to bookstores and one question I got from a reporter the other day was: how do you stay healthy when you’re on the road.
At home in Orange County I’m a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and typically teach several classes a day to help support my dream job. Traveling is a big adjustment and I’m certainly as guilty as the next person of succumbing to unhealthy habits when I’m not at home (and let’s be honest, when I am at home too. I have happy hour every evening at my house on Balboa Island let me remind you!). But I do try to make healthy choices when I can and here are some things I’ve learned that have helped me be able to.
Travel With a Blender: Given my lack of domestic skills it’s probably shocking that I’d bring a kitchen appliance, of all things, on the road with me. But after a backpacking trip through Europe where I could never find a green smoothie, I now travel with a blender so I can start my day the way I do at home: feeling healthy!
Tone It Up Daily Moves: Tone it Up is a workout and lifestyle community founded by thirty-something trainers Karena and Katrina, who live in Manhattan Beach. These girls not only make working out fun, they provide positive support on Instagram and make working out something you can do anytime, anywhere by offering daily moves, online classes through their app, and meal plans.
Bring Along A Cute Workout Outfit: Let’s face it, we’re all more likely to hit the hotel gym if we have a cute outfit to wear to it. I’m currently loving this top and these high waisted leggings.
Try Out a Class in a New Town: At home, it can be easy to get stuck in a workout routine and routines are often why we hit weightless plateaus. Trying out a new class in a new city can be a great way to mix things up and try something new. You might also meet a new friend or a local who has recommendations for things to do during your stay.
Identify Healthy Options at Restaurant Staples: If your travels include a long road trip, like my recent book tour, some days you’re often stuck with only fast food options. However, some of these restaurants, like Starbucks, have healthy choices. They just introduced egg white bites which come in four different flavors and are packed with protein.
Pack a Cooler: Bringing along a cooler if you’re on a road trip is another way to allow you to stock up on healthy options when you do see a Whole Foods or other health food store.
See the Town Before Everyone Else. My brother will wake up at five a.m. when he travels and walk the entire city he’s visiting before anyone else is up. Not only are you beating the crowds and able to get photos no one else can, but you’re also getting in your workout before the sun is up.
Invest in a Fitbit: When you’re traveling, you might come to find that you actually are working out more than you realize. Your workout just might look different than it does at home. When I was traveling through Europe I wasn’t going to the gym, but walked about ten miles every day while exploring new towns. Investing in a Fitbit to track your steps might help you feel better about the calories you are burning.
Have any tips for staying healthy on the road of your own?! I’d love to hear them!
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