Michelle Obama: Prioritizing is Important to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Posted by admin on Oct 14, 2011 in Blog | 263 comments

Michelle Obama is no stranger to frequent traveling. As the nation’s ambassador for healthy eating and exercise, the First Lady of the United States has traveled the world to communicate her message focused on youth leadership, education, health and wellness. Traveling regularly for long periods of time can take a toll on one’s health. In a recent interview, Obama discussed her routine for eating and exercising while on-the-go. In her own words, she says it is all about prioritizing.

Dr. Veronica Tomor, author of L.E.A.N Guide for the Business Traveler, shares Michelle Obama’s passion for the importance of health and fitness. Tomor even contributed to Michelle Obama’s LET’s MOVE open forum to the public, to provide input to the areas of deficit, pertaining to physical fitness and nutrition for children and youth.

Getting sidetracked from a scheduled fitness routine while traveling can easily lead to weight gain, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Prioritizing what is important is the key to overall wellness.

Exercise

Traveling is not an excuse to stop exercising. When packing your bags for your travels, pack your running shoes and workout gear before you pack anything else. You will already be thinking about when you will exercise, rather than if you are going to exercise.

If you are short on free time, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you do find a few spare minutes, make exercise fun by using it as a way to explore a new city. Find running trails near your hotel for a morning jog or a midday hike. Spend any free time you have during the day taking a walking tour of the city and explore all it has to offer.

Eating and Traveling

Large buffets at meetings and decadent offerings at restaurants can be tempting, but don’t let your cravings conquer your willpower. Remember that restaurant portions are often much larger than what you need to maintain your health. Order a lean protein, such as grilled chicken. The right portion size should be about the size of your fist. Choose steamed veggies, brown rice or a side salad, with dressing on the side, as a side dish to complement your healthy entrée. Forget filling up on bread or chips. Drink a glass of water to curb your hunger before your meal arrives.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is readily available at business dinners and drinks at the airport are an easy way to unwind. Needless to say, alcohol is an expected part of business travel. One way to manage your consumption of calories from alcohol is to drink one glass or water for every alcoholic beverage. Not only will you consume less drinks, you will consume less calories, spend less money and feel better in the morning.