Eating Healthy (and saving money!) While Traveling

Eating Healthy While Traveling

We travel a lot (at least in our eyes). Scott normally has to take 3-4 work trips per year (I usually go on some of them), we take a two week hiking trip in the fall, and usually go somewhere over his winter break. When we are home we often take day or weekend trips to the mountains to hike so we’ve learned some tips and tricks to help us stay healthy but still enjoy our time away. 

We don’t let vacation turn into a “free for all” because we know that we won’t feel well if we do that but we also aren’t very strict either. Remember those posts about balance (here and here)? This is a lifestyle for us so we know that we can indulge as much or as little as we want and either way we will still be okay. The most important thing is that quickly after we return home we get right back into our routines. It’s a lifestyle - not a diet - and living this lifestyle (eating clean and working out) allows us to continue to do the things that we love.

I hate wasting anything, especially food, so I actually pack up and take any food we have in the fridge that will go bad while we are gone. We normally eat this at the airport before boarding or on the plane. Not only will these tips save you money but they will also allow you to save your treats for things that you really want once you arrive at your destination.

Also see this post on Clean Food to Pack for the Airport and this post on Clean Road Trip Food.

How to Eat Healthy + Save Money While Traveling

PACKING:

Although we normally go grocery shopping once we get to where we are going I always pack snacks for the road. Along with bringing any food that will spoil while we are gone I bring the following:

• Protein Bars (some of our favorite include Kind bars and Rise bars)
• Protein Powder (our preferred is TLS Whey Protein Powder)
• Rice Cakes
• Nuts (usually cashews or almonds)
• Supplements (Daily Essentials Vitamins packets, Digestive Enzymes Packets, Awake Energy Shots, etc)
• Blender Bottle (for protein shakes and Isotonix vitamins in the morning)

AT THE HOTEL:

We ALWAYS get a room that has a mini refrigerator. Most of the time this comes at no extra cost but even if they do charge you it’s less expensive than eating out every single meal. Use the refrigerator to store the food you brought from home, leftovers, or food from when you go grocery shopping. We always eat breakfast at the hotel in order to save money. If we have a kitchen we make eggs, if we don't have a kitchen we will drink a protein shake and make oats (like we did in the picture above from NYC).

IN THE CAR/AT THE AIRPORT:

Walking through the airport, you will see many different choices available. Although the pastries and pizzas look good if you look a little further down you can likely find a salad, fruit cup, protein bar, etc. Why eat airport pizza when you can have quality pizza once you reach your destination?

If you are on an airline that still offer free snacks, skip them. Have you ever looked at the ingredient label on those snacks? They aren't just "peanuts" and the 100 calorie pack of cookies will just make you more hungry! You packed food to bring so just snack on something you packed if you are hungry.

I’ve combined car and airport snacks because it’s really the same techniques we use with each - skip the drive-thru and pack your own snacks!

There are always health(ier) choices. Instead of wasting your "treats" on mediocre food from a drive-thru or airport, be prepared and save your treats for when you reach your destination.

We plan on posting more money saving tips soon on 40isthenew65.com so be sure to subscribe!

31-Day Scarecrow Squat Challenge

It's another booty-focused challenge this month! We're going to build on your basic squat and also introduce you to a few new types (see below for descriptions)!

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31-Day Scarecrow Squat Challenge

• Squats - find explanation here
• Narrow Squats - same as a regular squat but with your feet in a narrow stance (legs less than shoulder wide apart and toes slightly pointed out)
• Single Leg Split Squats - find explanation here
• Plie Squats - find explanation here

Depending on your fitness level you can do these squat variations with or without weights. You can also split them up throughout the day if needed.

Remember, these challenges should not be your only workout! These are just a fun addition and should be adjusted based on your fitness level and other planned workouts for the day! Looking for a workout plan to keep you on track? Try one of our 4, 6, or 12 week workout plans! You can find more information here.

Don't forget to take advantage of our Fall Workout Challenge which is your chance to transform your life and win big!

Want to add in another challenge? Try our Pumpkin Push-Up Challenge!

30-Day Step-Up Challenge

We love challenges! And we love step-ups! I'm pretty sure that step-ups are my favorite exercise, so I wanted to make sure you develop a strong love for step-ups too with this 30-Day Step-Up Challenge! ;-)

Remember, these challenge are not meant to be your ONLY workout. These should be done in conjunction with your workout (which is hopefully one of our workout plans)!

Step-ups are literally just like they sound - you step up! Use something sturdy: a bench, chair, or step and step up and back down. When the challenge indicates a knee lift step up with one foot and lift the opposite knee towards your chest and then return to the starting position. When it indicates a rear leg extension step up with one leg and extend the opposite leg out behind you, really squeezing your glutes.

The number of reps listed is per leg. For example, on day one you will do 5 step-ups on your left leg and 5 step-ups on your right leg. You can either complete all reps on one leg before switching or you can alternate. Depending on your fitness level you can perform these weighted or without weights.

Always listen to your body and remember that these can be split up throughout the day. I actually perform step-ups as "cardio bursts" in between sets on my non-leg days (using a high bench and moving quickly). I do weighted step-ups on leg days (using our She Sweats workout plans).

Trust me, your booty will thank you once it's all over.