A concern for many patients after they’ve had weight loss surgery is how to stay on track and eat healthy while traveling, whether for business or pleasure. Our team at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists is here to provide you with the tools, education and guidance you need to help you achieve your goals.
An important part of being successful in your weight loss journey is sticking as closely to your new routine as possible and using the tools and resources at your disposal. While that may be more challenging when you are traveling, having a plan will greatly benefit you. Check out our tips below.
Don’t stop tracking your nutrition
This is crucial! Whether you’re keeping a written food journal or using a nifty app, record everything you consume and stick with the nutrition plan recommended by your physician or nutritionist. Tracking what you eat will help you stay accountable while traveling and identify the lack of protein and surplus of carbohydrates, sugars and fats in your meals.
We recommend several apps to choose from here, and tips on successful food journaling here.
Find a way to get in some exercise
Booking a hotel? Try to find one that has a gym or even some modest fitness equipment. When a hotel gym is out of the question, look for a local workout facility that offers day passes (many do!). City bound? Some fantastic parks exist in our nation’s cities and offer walking, jogging and biking trails. If you’re heading to the great outdoors, incorporate activities that make the most of your environment, such as hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, skiing or even walking (who doesn’t love a long stroll on the beach?). Nature has plenty to offer to condition muscles, get some cardio action in and burn calories.
Take healthy foods with you
Car, bus, train or plane- pack snacks. But not just any snacks. Stick with high protein, low carb varieties, as well as fruits, veggies, and nuts. If you’re traveling light, stash a few items in your carry-on and find a nearby market to replenish after you get to your destination. Roadtrippers certainly have an advantage, as a cooler or insulated lunch bag can be stocked with nourishing favorites to get you through those long stretches of highway. Don’t forget to hydrate with water!
Pack your post-operative supplements
Just as you probably would not travel without important medications, don’t leave for your trip without your supplements. Your physician-prescribed supplements will help you get the additional nutrients your body needs (even long after surgery). Our team recommends Bariatric Advantage supplements to meet the unique nutritional demands of both the pre-operative bariatric surgical candidate, as well as the post-operative bariatric surgical patient.
Don’t skip breakfast
Don’t get into the unhealthy habit of skipping breakfast while traveling- you need a meal rich in protein to fuel you through the beginning of your day. When you’re in a rush, staying in a place that does not offer breakfast or have a kitchen, or are catching an early morning flight, it’s easy to skip breakfast. The night before an early travel departure, prepare a grab-n-go breakfast. It will save you time, money and help you avoid a fast food pit stop temptation. If your temporary residence has a restaurant or continental breakfast, be mindful. Go for lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and veggies. Use an app like MyFitnessPal to guide you. Low sugar, high protein bars are also an option when in a pinch.
Consult your physician or nutritionist
At Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, we are happy to guide you in making healthy decisions that help you recover from your procedure and achieve your weight loss goals. If you have questions regarding your post-operative plan, do not hesitate to contact us at (865) 984-3413.