The holidays present a time for fun and celebration, and often traveling to be with the people we hold dearest. Traveling after weight loss surgery can be challenging when you are in an unfamiliar place, outside of your routine, and have no access to a kitchen to cook the regular meals on your guided post-surgery plan. Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville shares a few tips to consider if you’re traveling during the holiday season after bariatric surgery.

Holiday Traveling Tips

If you know you are going to be eating out some of the time, try to look at restaurant menus before you arrive so that you have an idea of what options they have to offer. Knowing the menu before you go to a restaurant is an advantage to you. This way, you can preemptively avoid an entire menu of tempting items that may not be in your guidelines.

When eating out, replace regular side dishes, such as fries or potatoes, with a side salad, fruit, or vegetables. Watch out for menu verbiage that may indicate less healthy options. Be cautious of food that is “crispy” or “fried,” and go with the options that are described as grilled, baked, or boiled.

Woman holding restaurant menu, selective focus

Another option for traveling is to pack your own snacks. This kind of planning ahead can help you avoid purchasing fatty snacks at gas stations and rest stops. Pack a cooler with low-fat Greek yogurt, string cheese, or protein shakes.

Many patients purchase a fitness tracker after weight loss surgery. These help you track your daily activity and set personal goals. Your fitness tracker will be a friendly reminder if you have not hit your daily personal activity goals. Patients have reported that these trackers help keep them motivated.

Berlin, Germany - July 11, 2016: Woman getting ready for her workout wearing a FITBIT as an activity tracker to control her heartrate.

Plan activities that encourage you to be active. Focusing on non-food activities helps you think about something besides the next meal you’re going to be eating. Go on a walk, a bike ride, or explore local outdoor recreational spaces with the family. It can be as simple as getting out and walking around a shopping center, as long as it keeps you moving.

If you’re staying at a hotel, try to take advantage of the amenities they offer such as a gym or pool. It’s hard to stick to a regular exercise routine when you’re out of town, but opting for a hotel that offers these kinds of amenities helps make it a little bit easier.

Think outside of the box when it comes to your meals. Eating healthy doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy your food, and holidays don’t have to revolve around what is served at the dinner table. Focus on the time you get to spend with your family and encourage them to help you stay accountable.

3 Generation family on country walk in winter through woods

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