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!

5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise

Whether you are chasing a toddler around your house, shuffling your school-aged children from school to after-school activities and sports practices and games, or taking care of your grandchildren, the roles every mother plays at any given time leave little to no time for themselves.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

I'll be the first to tell you that between chasing my little one around (now 15 months), working 4-6 hours every day from home, keeping my house somewhat organized and clean, and maintaining my relationship with Jim, it's hard! However, I do make time for fitness and I'm here to tell you - it's possible!

Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

• 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise
• How to Occupy Children During Runs
• 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

Top 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise

1. Take a deep breath and smile, you are not Superwoman.

Yep, that's right. You need to breathe. And smile. When you start to get overwhelmed and aren't sure how you are going to get anything done, let alone actually workout and spend some time on yourself, take a deep breath and smile. You will figure it out sooner and more efficiently if you are calm and less worked up.

2. Schedule your workout and fitness time and get into a routine.

Even if your schedule changes day to day, sit down for 2-3 minutes in the morning (maybe while your children are eating breakfast) and schedule your day. If you have an idea of what your day really "looks like" on paper, it's easier to find opportunities for fitting in some "you" time. We have a lot of free at-home fitness resources to choose (try this at-home full body workout or quick heart pounding interval workout). We even offer a Busy Body 4-Week Workout Plan!

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Fitness Plan

3. Utilize breaks in your schedule to your advantage.

I was once told by a mom that she ran while her daughter was at gymnastics practice. I've held on to that because I've been there - I've taken my niece to ballet class only to sit there and watch through the miniature window. Why?!? They weren't doing anything overly special that day and it wasn't like I could see much anyway. Who needs to sit when you could go outside for 30-45 minutes and get your workout on?

4. Get help if it's available.

Before I had Bryce, I would workout with one of my friends that has two children. We would purposely drive to a facility 30 minutes away to workout so she could drop her children off with her mom for an hour and a half while we worked out. Some days, her and her neighbor would swap off watching the children. If you have this option - use it! If your gym has a daycare facility (like mine), you really eliminate some excuses.

5. Leave the "Mommy-Guilt" behind.

Don't let the "Mommy-Guilt" get you! This one might be the hardest for me, especially if I feel like Bryce hasn't gotten "enough" attention from me for the day, but it's important that you take care of you. After all, if you don't feel good, you won't be able to give your best to your little ones. Check that guilt at the door and go get your sweat on!

What's your best tip for the busy mom that still wants her time to exercise and keep fitness a priority in their life?

Good luck ladies! You can do this!

Tiffany

Greek Yogurt vs. Traditional Yogurt - What's Your Better Choice?

Greek Yogurt vs. Traditional Yogurt - What's Your Better Choice?

If dairy is something you are including in your eat clean diet (yes, we consider organic dairy clean - in moderation), you need to know the difference between Greek yogurt and traditional yogurt. While there are recipes and situations that warrant the use of both, when in doubt, go Greek!

Here's the simple stats:

On average, Greek Yogurt has double the amount of protein than traditional yogurt. Think 20g vs 10g! The added protein will not only help rebuild your muscles and keep your body functioning at top capacity, but it keeps you feel fuller, longer.

Greek Yogurt typically also has half the carbs too! The taste is a little more on the tart side, but with the addition of berries, nuts and/or a small amount of honey, you can definitely trick your taste buds from noticing the difference!

Not sure what to look for when you go to the grocery store? Here are a few things to think about:

• We always try to buy organic dairy.
• NEVER buy flavored yogurts. They typically have added sugars and more ingredients than just fruit. If you can find one that ONLY has fruit, go for it, but we are yet to find one!
• 2% milk fat or 1% milk fat is a better choice than non-fat dairy products. Fat is a good thing if incorporated into your diet correctly! Non-fat varieties often have added sugars to compensate for a lack of milk fat.  

Have you incorporated Greek yogurt into your diet? What is your best suggestion for those who are yet to make the switch?

PS - We looked at the nutritional facts on FAGE Total 2% Greek Yogurt and Stonyfield Farms Organic Lowfat Plain Yogurt for the purposes of this article.