Here we are, it's the first Operation Get Fit linkup of the year!!
So let's get started with the first question on deck. Did I screw up on New Year's Eve? Yes, yes I did. How about New Year's Day? Yup. Screwed up there too. But if it helps, I didn't go into the holiday with intentions of being bad, sip happens, right?
Sorry for that drinking joke, but really, I went into this weight loss journey knowing that if I ever told myself that alcohol was off limits, I'd quit well before I achieved the goals I set.
Anyway, even though I was up on the scale at Weight Watchers, which was quite depressing, I'm back on track! I did Zumba on Friday (not sure I'll count that as a workout) and then woke up early and had Turbo Kick my booty Saturday morning. For the first time in forever, the workouts are getting easier! I think I'll attribute that to being almost 12 pounds lighter! Not to sound cheesy, but simply starting the weight loss program is the hardest part, it really does get easier from there.
But I need your help.
I'm going to Canada for work on Wednesday and won't be coming home until Monday night. This will be my first real test. Sure I can eat healthy and stay focused when I prepare meals myself (and by me I mean the fine people at Lean Cuisine). But what the heck am I going to do on my work trips?
My schedule at work is about to go bonkers. It is boat show season, so I'll be in Canada 6 days, followed by Miami the following month for 10 days, and I believe this year I'll be going to New Orleans and Seattle in March. I travel with a bunch of dudes, dudes that don't care to eat healthy. I can do my best to navigate a menu, but what do I do at convention centers filled with pizza and nachos as their only cuisine?
Do you have any tips for me to stay healthy while on the road, without kitchen access?
Any who, on to the good news, some news I'm so excited about....
Weight Watchers contacted me after seeing my original weight loss post! I'm going to be reviewing their new Simple Start program, and of course bringing my review to you! I can't wait to tell you guys about it over the next month! I'll be starting when I get back from my visit to our neighbors to the North!
I also have more news regarding my goal list, but I'll save that for tomorrow's post! So I know I said that this linkup would be super casual, and it still is with regard to the fact that there are no rules, you don't have to follow me, you don't even have to link back to me. I just want us all to have a way to motivate each other, in whatever fashion you would like to. But I did go ahead and make a button, should you choose to include it on your sidebar or in your post! I really think it is very effective when you tell people you're staring a weight loss journey. Trust me, they'll support you more than you know!
Ugh eating well while traveling is so hard. I really wish restaurants and fast food places had legitimately healthy items, not items they pretend are healthy but in actuality are worse than some of the so-called unhealthy items. Congrats on losing 12 pounds so far and for being contacted by Weight-Watchers, that is so awesome!! You got this girl!!
ReplyDeleteTraveling can be rough, you can do your part by bringing healthy snacks. Be picky at restaurants and don't be afraid to ask for something that isn't on the menu, they will figure out how to charge you. Oh and Weight Watchers ... hello famous! I bet you'll have a commercial next :) Keep up the awesome work.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel your pain! Eating well while traveling is such a bitch! And funny! I used to work in the boat industry and would travel for a week at a time to the shows - Miami, Fort Lauderale, Seattle, Newport - also with a bunch of "lets get mid day drinks" guys. I made sure to buy fruit and luna bars and keep them in my purse. Good luck and keep it up!
ReplyDeleteSarah! You can do this, first and for most. Food does not own your life, you do! No matter where you are there are options. For instance; you HAVE to go to McDonalds...order a grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato, hold the mayo and throw away the bread. Ask for kids apples instead of fries (might be a little more expensive, but hey it's worth it in the end) and a water cup. My favorite thing about eating Paleo is you're allowed to eat MEAT. Real. Meat. So order a steak with veggies, hold the butter and crap. It's possible chicky! You can do this. Have fun in Canada :)
ReplyDeletexo fal | falfindshappiness.blogspot.com
12 pounds!!!! You go girl. You can totally do this. While you're traveling you should see if you can get a look at the hotel menus, or menus for restaurants around where you're staying ahead of time. That way you can get an idea what kind of healthy options will be available. You can always modify things also. Like order a magherita flat bread pizza instead of just regular cheese or meat topped pizza. You can always ask for dressing on the side, or for other condiments to be withheld.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting , Sarah! Gotta love being recognized for sticking with WW ;-)
ReplyDeleteLike everyone already said - eating healthy on the road is tricky business. My tip is to bring a healy snack wherever you go. I'm a momma, so I always have healthy kid snacks in my purse that I can sneak as a lunch in case I can't find something healthy (to-go peanut butter, almonds, apple sauce squeeze pack and I'm a bit ashamed to say that I once ate my daughters baby food pureé).
You got this!
I think a meal plan is a good way to go! I researched eating for depression etc and put a plan together!! Good luck and happy to be joining in!!
ReplyDeleteM xx
Was that your first time doing Zumba? I have to say I REALLY think the instructor can make or break the whole experience. I didn't like it either my first time, but tried again a few years later with a different instructor and it was like night and day.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend bringing healthy snacks so you don't find yourself grabbing a slice of pizza or fries because there is no other option. I don't know about other cities but at least in Seattle you can probably find some place to grab something healthier within a block or two of the convention center.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend bringing healthy snacks so you don't find yourself grabbing a slice of pizza or fries because there is no other option. I don't know about other cities but at least in Seattle you can probably find some place to grab something healthier within a block or two of the convention center.
ReplyDeletesoooo awesome!! im so excited for you and i can't wait for the review of simple start! you are inspirational :)
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great, lady!! I must admit, I gained about 15 lbs when I worked in Buffalo, NY for a few months... entirely because of the chicken wings and beer. What I learned about traveling and NOT gaining weight in later consulting years is to eat a salad for one meal a day (with chicken or something) and to try to drink water for lunch or dinner instead of drinking extra calories.
ReplyDeleteUgh I feel your pain, I gained weight over Christmas and New Years so now I am starting back on a stricter diet and workout schedule! It's so hard whilst traveling to stick to eating healthy, that was my issue, we were in England and then Berlin... I wish I had tips for you but I don't!
ReplyDeleteBut here's what i did so you can avoid it: eat everything in sight.
this is so great! i'm excited to hear what you have to say about simple start because weight watchers has been the only thing that was ever successful for me in losing weight and i think SS seems like it could be really good!
ReplyDeletei wish i had tips for you on how to stay on track while traveling, but if i had em, i'd do them too! i did just see something floating around FB today about a guy who lost 37 lbs eating only McD's so it's doable I think like what someone else said...just have choose the best options ...i'd also see if there are any grocery stores nearby you can get some fruits/veggies/healthy snacks. also, there are lots of good mini-workouts on pinterest...just stick to basics, squats/jumping jacks/lunges/etc. and repeat!
Hi Sarah! I linked up with a workout that I came up with when I was snowed in last week. I think it's be really easy to do in your hotel room. I did Weight Watchers almost 8 years ago, lost 40 lbs, had a baby, & used the program to take off the baby weight? I love the program & the fact that it's a lifestyle - if you want any tips let me know!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to stay on track when travelling! Maybe you should pack snacks in your bag (granola, apples, etc) I know it doesn't sound fun compared to nachos and pizza, but it will be something to munch on instead.
ReplyDeleteI have missed workout classes and I want to get back in to them (my favorite is body pump), 12 pounds is a great start!
I'm starting a healthy journey. Hopefully I can stay on track!
ReplyDeleteI just returned from two weeks in Hawaii so I can relate with the struggle to eat healthy and to stay active in a hotel. I would stop by a grocery store and buy some healthy snacks (almonds, apples, protein bars, etc). Hotels typically have a little gym, or at least a treadmill, but if not squats, wall sits, crunches and other exercises are a good way to start or in the day in a hotel room. Good luck, and I like the link-up!
ReplyDeleteUgh, traveling is tough on healthy eating. All I can really suggest is getting some healthy snacks to take with you {or get them at a store when you get there} and do your best. It takes strength to resist when the food is right there in front of you. And if you do give in, try to do so in small amounts & eat healthy things to finish filling you up. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteJamie @
The Growing Up Diaries
Take advantage of the hotel gyms when you're traveling. Especially when you visit NOLA, our food is too good to miss out on.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 12 pound loss! I joined WW (for the 2nd time) today and go to my first meeting Tuesday. Hopefully I will be as successful as you :)
ReplyDeleteDude! Zumba is totally a workout! I only did it once and wanted to die! Those Zumba ladies are insane.
ReplyDeleteWay to go with 12 pounds already! Traveling and eating bad food seem to go hand in hand, especially when traveling with guys. Whenever I am traveling I try and be sure to have lots of snacks on hand like everyone has mentioned. Keeping my hotel room stocked with things like bananas and apples, luna bars, almond butter, greek yogurt if a fridge is an option, and baby carrots and humus, anything easy to throw into my purse. I also like having oatmeal with me for a quick and filling hotel breakfast. One last trick I use is putting gum in my mouth when sitting around a table to help me from not grabbing that pizza slice that is front of me just to have something to pick on while were all talking. Good luck and enjoy your travels!
ReplyDelete12 pounds is great!! And I can't wait to see your WW review. I've been thinking about starting with them, and your experience has definitely been a real motivator!
ReplyDeleteI'm allergic to gluten, so eating out is also very difficult for me. Like some other people have said, just ask for things that aren't on the menu. Any restaurant can pull together a plain piece of chicken, veggies on the side, and a baked potato or something to go with it. It'll be the same amount, if not less, than a regular entree and so much healthier! In terms of snacks, I really like Luna Bars (they have ones that have extra protein, too) and NuGo bars (though they're a bit more expensive). Don't drink your calories (unless it's booze) and try to hit a grocery store or something for snacks if you can't bring them with you in your suitcase.
Wow 12 lbs is amazing!! I just started WW last week & am down 3 lbs, so it's inspiring that you're already down 12 lbs! Way to go!! Have fun in Canada & don't freeze! :)
ReplyDeleteDo whatever you can to help yourself out while you're travelling! Pack workout clothes and try to get a short run or weight session in. Pinterest is also great for short body weight workouts while on the road! If you won't have access or that kind of time, eat as healthy as you possibly can. Grilled, rabbit food, no butter. Also check menus to see if they note their "lighter" options!
ReplyDeleteWhere in Canada are you headed!? Toronto? Anywhoo.. I know that eating well in a situation like yours will be tough. Just eat the best that you can, with what you have available to you... Like, the veggie pizza instead of pepperoni. LOL Or, when you're at restaurants order the obvious lame salad.. instead of the lasagna. Not much help, I know..!
ReplyDeleteTravelling is so tough but brings healthy snack with you like protein bars or shakes and then if you can hit up a grocery store when you get there or before going to the hotel and stock up on some fruit and prepackage salads that you can easily take to the convention with you. That is awesome that WW wants you to review their program!!
ReplyDeleteI am SO, SO excited that WW reached out to you! Can't wait to read these posts. Simply Filling worries me because this girl put away some brown rice and broccoli. So for now I'm tracking and I'll ease my way into it. I murdered myself this past weekend but I went to my first meeting and am starting off at 189 so it's only downhill from there.
ReplyDeleteTravelling, all i can say are snacks on snacks on snacks. Plan them out, bag them up and take them with you everywhere. For meals, I think salads with grilled chicken, or seafood will be your best bet.
So cool WW contacted you! Out of all those places, I'd say NOLA may be the hardest. Seattle, Miami you can toatlly down some fresh fish and Canada isn't so known widely for it's cuisine. You're rockin' it!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had awesome weight loss advice for you. Instead, I feel like you need to be warned from a person from the great north (Minnesota… not quite the "great white north") - I'm heading to Minneapolis for work tomorrow and long johns are REQUIRED. Make sure you check the weather and then pack 80 layers. Also, maybe try buying Suja juice while on the road… I like them instead of breakfast so I know I'm getting nutrients. Good luck friend.
ReplyDeleteBack when I traveled often for work is when I started paleo. It forced me to make the right decisions and also have a legit reason when I walked the extra 3 blocks away for a salad when all the guys wanted pizza. Also, drink allllll of the water and try to wake up early to work out if your hotel has a gym. That's the tried and tested way. Good luck Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI think eating healthy is good but a tad over rated when it comes to weight loss. Running, swimming, walking and all that will make you lose weight much faster than eating salads will... Having said that I hate running, I always swore I'd only run if I was chasing someone or they were chasing me. And then I met Laura (very British is Laura) from NHS choices couch to 5k plan. Check it out on Podcasts, that woman got me to run 5kms twice a week and I REALLY hate running.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can run on the treadmill in the hotel gym after meetings? Good luck with all the traveling, it sounds like quite a schedule!
Now that the new blog is up and running I'm going to start linking up and I'm stealing this button! It's awesome :)
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you and your 12 pounds!! Good job!
Does your hotel room have a fridge or anything like that? I would say you can still buy healthy snacks to keep in the room. Bring granola bars with you and snack a lot so you're not starving. It will help keep you on track when it comes time to eat. I find a lot more places have some healthier options now so chances are you can find grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, etc. I know it's hard, but just do the best you can!!! Hang in there!
There are a couple things I can offer here.
ReplyDeleteFirst, do not go into it expecting you will be awesome and do everything right. It sounds like you're doing it right in that regard already so that shouldn't be a problem for you.
Second, after you check out your room, find a grocery store when you get there. If you have nothing but a coffee maker, then you can still get things like oatmeal. If you have a coffeemaker and a fridge, then that opens you up to juice and yogurt, as well as the ability to half your restaurant portions and bring the leftovers back (if you're willing to eat cold stuff that was once hot, then this works quite well). If you've also got a microwave, then you can heat up those leftovers! *Side note - if you take a set of silverware and a big coffee mug with you, you can eat pretty much anything in your room, including that oatmeal. :-)
Also, take some low cal snacks with you and make sure you have one or two in your purse or on your person somewhere so that if you are stuck in a place where all they have is pizza and nachos, you can still snack on something to tide you over until you get to a place that has better options.
Sorry that was so long, but I feel like I have done pretty well at staying fairly healthy when I'm traveling and I wanted to pass along what worked for me. Way to go on your 12 pounds!
Looking forward to joining you in this linky next time! (I found it after the collection closed this time.) I'm starting small and working up to bigger goals. Good luck with staying healthy while travelling!
ReplyDelete- Pam @ Stolen Moments
Hope you were able to be healthy on your trip! I bring healthy fruit strips, nuts, Lara bars, Protein powder, tea bags, and anything else I can find non-perishable. If you've never seen GoPicnic lunch packs, check those out too!
ReplyDeleteBoo, I didn't get my post up in time to Link Up! Well I'll just leave it here instead...
ReplyDeletehttp://anchoredincle.com/2014/01/13/weekly-fitness-update-7/
I'm sure it's super exciting to be contacted by Weight Watchers! Can't wait to read all about your journey with the Simple Start program 'cuz I've been seeing commercials for it EVERYWHERE, and I'd love to know more about it.
ReplyDelete