Healthy Travel: Conference Food

 

Hello from Las Vegas! The weather this week has been amazing, based on what I see out the windows. Unfortunately, like most large conventions and meetings, we are inside the hotel all week except for a few breaks. But, we have been treated to a few views during meals which are a welcome treat!

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This week, in addition to keeping up my workout routine, I’m trying to be conscious of my food choices. It is easy to indulge in more alcohol, sweets, and heavy foods at meetings since most meals are buffet style. Luckily, I came equipped with a game plan this week.

  • No sweets since Lent is still going strong. (I still haven’t broken that goal!!)
  • Drinking water with breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Eating a healthy breakfast and lunch
  • Trying to eat more fruit, vegetables, and nuts for snacks versus processed foods

So far, my plan has worked well, especially since P&G has provided some amazing food options. Our breakfast especially has provided me with a plethora of healthy choices, which has therefore forced me to focus on portion control!

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My breakfasts have been around 350-500 calories this week, depending on options. I’ve also ensured that I bulk up with fiber and protein so I’m not hungry. I’ve avoided the hot bar section and the pastries since those luckily fall under the sweets category in my book.

Lunches and dinners have been a bit harder, but I’ve done my best to follow the “peace sign” rule and the 80/20 rule. I divide my plate like a peace sign, ensuring that greens or vegetables make up the largest portion. Then I try and put healthy carbs and protein in the other portion. In addition, I’m avoiding heavy sauces and the fish dishes since I don’t normally care for fish on a buffet like these.

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Question: What are your tips for staying healthy at meetings and conferences?

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6 Comments

  1. Fit Chick Britt April 7, 2011 / 3:02 am

    It looks like you’ve got some great weather and great healthy choices for food in Vegas. I don’t have to go to meetings or conferences, but when I am out of town I try to eat the sames portions I would normally put on my plate at home.

  2. Coco April 7, 2011 / 3:26 am

    You are doing great! Conferences can be so hard, although fresh fruit on the breakfast buffet can be amazing! You are lucky that lunch is a buffet. I hate the plated meals where the vegetable is 3 green beans, and they put a slab of chocolate cake in front of you and you have to stare it down while you listen to the keynote speaker . . . . My tips are mainly to remember that those desserts are not worth it, and to bring my own snacks so I won’t be tempted by the gi-normous cookies or candy bars at the afternoon break.

  3. Jocelyn April 7, 2011 / 3:43 am

    Conferences are tough. Long and sometimes boring days can really wear on me. At the buffet I try to load up on as many fruits and veggies as I can first and then have a little bit of everything else after. If I find myself wanting to eat out of boredom, I have some fruity tea without sugar. One piece of advice that has stuck with me over the years is just because you are away from home doesn’t mean you are on vacation from your healthy life.

    Hopefully you will be able to get out and enjoy the weather, shopping and shows soon!!

  4. Kelly April 7, 2011 / 2:07 pm

    I’m not someone who has to travel much or go to conferences and maybe I’m new to this, but I’ve gotta say I like the visual that the “peace sign” gives when looking at the plate. I’m guessing this has been around, oops! I love it! Thanks for mentioning it!

  5. Sana April 7, 2011 / 3:01 pm

    Love the b-fast spread! Enjoy the rest of your trip with Theadora!

  6. Emily April 7, 2011 / 4:21 pm

    your conference spread looks better than my daily eating. naked juices aplenty? JEALOUS.

    When I travel from work we have to stay in a town that doesn’t seem to know what whole wheat or produce is. it’s really tough to eat well there.

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