Whether you're going on a fun vacation, traveling for work, or something else, being away from home and out of your regular routines can be stressful when you're trying to manage your weight and your health. That's why planning ahead is key! Don't think, "I'll figure it out when I get there" because that will make any good intentions less likely to actually happen. 

Instead, strategies that make traveling easier and keep you connected to your health is the best way to stay on track when you're away from home. Pack a few of these pro travel tips in your carryon for a healthier get-away.

1. Stick to as many routines as possible.

If you tend to exercise every morning, locate the hotel fitness room, or map out a walk with the concierge, or pull up an exercise video on YouTube. Whatever it is, just doing something is good for your mindset—you're saying to yourself that you are committed to your health goals!

2. Bring HMR foods with you.

HMR Shakes, Entrees, Cereal, and Bars are all easy to pack, easy to prepare, and are lower in calories than most other foods available when you're traveling. If you're flying, HMR Entrees can be transported in a checked bag. You can also call ahead to check if you can bring it in your carryon bag. HMR Bars and 70 Plus Shake Pudding Mix packets can be carried on the plane.

3. Prep low-cal snacks for travel day.

Before you leave your house, pack some washed and cut fruit and veggies for snacks. Ready-to-eat containers of peppers, cherry tomatoes, celery, carrots, apples, bananas, clementines, etc. can easily be tossed in your bag for accessible snacks and will keep you feeling satisfied and hydrated. 

4. Call ahead and ask the hotel for a fridge and/or microwave. 

Many hotels are happy to provide this accommodation in your room before you arrive—just call ahead and ask. (We've also been know to ask the hotel staff to remove any minibar items—we don't want to be tempted by a $8.00 chocolate bar!)

5. Find a grocery store near your destination. 

Make a quick stop at the grocery store on your way to the hotel (or, if it's close enough, take a little walk there once you get settled in). This is a pro tip that is a great way to stock up on some healthy food and water (or other drinks that you may like). You can save money this way. 

6. Do some restaurant research and dine smarter.

Always go online and research the menu before you arrive at your restaurant. Take the time to plan exactly what you will order before you even sit down—you can usually find some good veggie sides and salads with dressing on the side.

If you have to rely on fast food for a meal on the road, look for lower calorie options and stay away from sauces that can sometimes pack hundreds of calories in just a few tablespoons. Pro Tip: Wendy's has delicious plain baked potatoes—pour an HMR Entree over one (you don't even need to heat up the entree). HMR Entrees also go great over a salad (get it without the dressing—the sauce from the Entree will be dressing enough).

7. Schedule in some physical activity.

Pack your sneakers and some exercise clothes, along with any other easy equipment, such as resistance bands or ankle weights. Plan in short bouts of exercise like walks with family, at-home workouts, or rent bikes to get around.

Here are some simple training plans that are easy to do at home and on the road: 

Resistance Bands Training Plan

Strength Training 101

Low Impact Training Plan

8. Set goals for the week.

Just because you are away from home doesn't meal your calorie management goals should go out the window. Challenge yourself to eat plenty of HMR foods and fruits and vegetables to help prevent higher calorie eating. 

9. Adjust your mindset. 

Instead of treating your time away from home like a free-for-all where you stop doing any of your normal healthy behaviors, treat it like a healthy retreat. Look at it as a fun opportunity to try new and different healthy behaviors. Instead of just "You Time", make it "Healthier You Time"!

10. Go online to connect with others.

Staying connected to a community of like-minded people who are also problem-solving healthy behaviors will help you stay motivated and inspired. Our private Facebook group is a great place to get 24/7 support. Hope to see you there!