Travel and weight loss

There is nothing worse for my weight loss journey than traveling.  Nothing.  And to be honest, it's not because I veer too far off the path, it's more that my body patterns get discombobulated.


I flew down to Edmonton on Tuesday, then rented a car and drove to Red Deer, for a full day of meetings.  I then drove back to Edmonton for a full day of meetings on Wednesday.  More sitting and waiting in the airport last night and my body was ready to lodge a protest with how it was being treated.  Travel is hard on the constitution.

I thrive on patterns that are familiar, daily routines, foods and places that help my body find its rhythm.  I'll return to my shake breakfast this morning, followed by a shake and veggies for lunch, a regular dinner and an approved crunchy snack in the evening.  I'll be back in balance by tomorrow morning.

Looking back on my 48-hour whirlwind trip, I wonder what I could have done differently.  Here are some things that jump out as potential strategies:

1. Less coffee, more water

This one is a no-brainer.  I generally take in a third or quarter of what I do on a normal day when I'm on the program.

2. Get up and walk around

These full-day think tanks are sedentary.  We sit, sit, sit, and then we sit some more.  I think it would be a good idea to take a brisk walk around the block at every available break.  I probably should have done a few laps of the airport waiting lounge, too.

3.  Bring the shakes

I didn't want to be bothered by lugging around my shaker, so it stayed home.  Mistake.  It doesn't take up that much space, and it would have help keep me closer to balance than I was.


I'm grateful that I don't have a job that forces me to travel on a regular basis.  I don't know how some of my friends in government or business do it, and still manage to maintain their health.

I avoided the treats, did my best to stick to my approved foods, and ate modest portions.  Though I wasn't perfect, I was good.  Despite my diligence I jumped 3 pounds in two days.  The body is a fickle friend, especially when you get to be my age.

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