5 Tips to Stay Fit While Traveling

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One of the excuses I used to make about not exercising and not making the time to prepare or cook healthy meals was; "Work is hectic, I've no time". Or "my job is demanding and I travel a lot". Well, work is still hectic and I still travel quite a bit.

This week I'm in another country, one that I've been to before but nevertheless it's different from my usual environment. Different in the sense that I don't know the best healthy places to eat, the best gyms and I don't have my gym crew to motivate me.

Does this sound familiar to you? Well then let me give you a few tips and tricks that I've picked up.

1. Research! Aunty Google is your friend. Find out where you are staying and what local restaurants or gym spots are close to where you are staying. If you are staying in a hotel, find out if they have a gym.

2. Carry portable gym equipment. I carry my jump rope and resistance band. Don't forget your food journal (if you have one). This is great because if there is no gym or you have a late work session and can't go to one, then you can work out in your room.

3. Eat right. I ensure I make the best healthy options in the hotel, especially with the breakfast buffet. It can be hard but most times the chef is willing to make eggs with less oil and a lot of veggies so that's what I mostly eat for breakfast. I also take an apple or a banana from breakfast so I can snack on during my meetings so I can avoid pastries.
4. Drink right. Take along your water bottle and fill it up with water throughout the day. Or always ask for bottled water and try avoid sweet energy drinks or soft drinks. If you have afterwork drinks, select ones such as Gin and tonic, cranberry and vodka etc. They have less calories. Limit your drinks to 1-2 and drink water in between drinks.

5. Sleep. Get enough rest. When travelling for work, you often feel the pressure to work towards deadlines by working around the clock at the expense of sleep. Try your best to get enough sleep (6-8hrs).



What are your tips and tricks for keeping fit and living healthy while travelling?

The All new bowl of goodness from So Fresh Market- The Chia Tropical Bowl + Giveaway

I love smoothies because they are healthy, convenient and portable. They are ideal fuel and perfect on-the-go all in one breakfast, a tasty afternoon snack or healthy dessert. I also love experimenting and trying different mixes for my smoothies. I was delighted when the team at So Fresh Neighbourhood market in Ikoyi sent me a bowl of a new addition to their menu: Chia Tropical Bowl

It is a smoothie made from Blueberries, Mango, Frozen Banana, Sweet pear, Low fat unsweetened yogurt, Chia seeds and topped with Banana and kiwi slices

I love mangoes and so anything that has mango has my vote already. The added chia seeds helps you stay fuller for longer so it definitely can be a meal replacement. I am not a big fan of banana slices on smoothies so personally I will replace the toppings to maybe Mango? Yes I know I love my mangoes.

Portion wise, it is a rather large bowl. I couldn’t finish it and so I froze half of it and had it the next morning at work for breakfast. It tasted like ice cream and my colleagues and I couldn’t get enough of it.

A good improvement would be to know what the estimated amount of calories per portion. This helps those of us that like to estimate our daily calorie intake. Other than that, this product is very healthy and a good frozen treat or dessert for sweet lovers. Other flavours are available and I love that there is a variety.

One lucky reader based in Lagos stands a chance to win this delicious bowl of goodness!

All you have to do is follow @fitnessrebirth on Twitter and tweet me or @myfitnessrebirth on Instagram and leave a comment telling me your favourite home made smoothie recipe. I shall randomly select the lucky winner on 9th March, 2014.

For those who would like to try out So Fresh Market's smoothies, you can order online from SoFresh at sofreshmarketng.com or visit them at 92, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.