The Executive Traveller Nutrition Program. PART I

If you're a business traveller with a particularly high-stress lifestyle, this program is for you! If you've got lots of responsibilities and tight travel schedules, you need to keep reading! I like to call those who are in this category, "work athletes" because of the sheer volume of mental and physical demands placed on you. It's not even just sitting at a desk, it's about the environmental demands - chemical exposures from inhaling carbon monoxide while driving, working near those who smoke, even airplanes filled with chemicals.

Let's face it, coffee and doughnuts are the go-to for travellers. They're easy to grab and go. But they wreak havoc on our systems and deplete our energy. Want a list of some added stressors? How about quick snacks on the run, sugary treats, big meals at meetings, a little too much alcohol, to name a few. Pretty soon, you're exhausted and lying in your hotel room trying to recover.

Sure, we can take a vacation to replenish ourselves, but most often than not, it is only a few days, maximum a week that we can truly relax. We need a daily plan, something that is sustainable.

Learn to listen to your inner voice so you can nourish your essential being.

So, what do you need? You need a plan that includes foods low in fat, high in nutrients and water, substantial amounts of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and some protein. Avoid high-fat and fried foods such as burgers, hot dogs, and other cured meats, as well as anything with chemicals such as soft drinks and refined baked goods.

Here are some healthy choices for those of you who are on the road a lot:

HEALTHY CHOICES FOR DINING OUT:

Breakfast: fresh fruit juice, fruit and yogurt, oatmeal, other whole grains, granola, soft boiled eggs

Lunch: fish, pasta, salad, fruit, cottage cheese

Dinner: big salads, whole grains, pasta, vegetables, fish or poultry

Snacks: mineral water, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, almonds

FOOD TO AVOID WHEN DINING OUT:

Breakfast: fried and scrambled eggs, omelettes, bacon, sausage, baked goods, sugar products

Lunch: hamburgers, hot dogs, fried foods, lunchmeat sandwiches, alcohol

Dinner: steak, ham and pork chops, heavy sauces, alcohol, rich desserts

Snacks: soft drinks, candy bars, coffee

In PART two, I'll talk more about other ways for the business traveller to get healthy, from mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, and specific nutrients that will help.