A large part of my job with Atkins involves traveling around the country, promoting Atkins and teaching people how to successfully lose weight while living a low-carb lifestyle. Since I have been doing Atkins for so long, I have had to learn how to stick with my low-carb eating plan no matter where I am—planes, trains, automobiles, you name it! As you hit the road over the holidays (or any time during the year), print out this handy cheat sheet of tips that have worked well for me (and many other Atkins devotees):
- Pack snacks in small containers or zip-top bags so you can track your intake of Net Carbs. Use a cooler with an ice pack, if needed, and include veggies with salad dressing; ham or turkey rollups; Greek yogurt with berries; nuts; olives; smoked salmon rolls; cheese; hard-boiled eggs and Atkins bars and shakes.
- Check if you will have access to refrigerator during your stay and stock up on the snacks listed above.
- If you know the restaurants where you’ll be dining, check out the menu in advance to pre-select your low-carb options. Having a plan before you go out to eat makes it easier resist any high-carb temptations.
- Try and stick with eating schedule. For example, if you eat five small meals per day at specific times, follow the same schedule even when you’re on the road.
- Don’t be afraid to ask what’s in a dish—either at a restaurant or someone’s house.
- Eat a snack or small meal before you go out to reduce your appetite.
- Eat only until satisfied, but not stuffed.
- Drink alcohol in moderation if you are beyond the early phase of Atkins, and watch out for drinks containing sugar or fruit juice.
- If your host pressures you to try something like cake or pie, say you’re full. Or politely take one bite, and say you’re full.
- If attending an event at someone’s house, offer to bring a low-carb option.
- If you are staying with family or friends for the holidays, talk to them in advance about their plans for meals, and offer to make some of your favorite low-carb recipes to contribute to the festivities.
- Stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you and refill it frequently.
- Stay active. Walk instead of taking a cab. Check out your hotel gym or pull on your running shoes and go for a jog or walk outside. You can pack portable elastic bands in your suitcase for a quick do-anywhere resistance workout, or bring along a workout DVD. Staying with family or friends? Offer to walk their dog if they have one, enlist everyone to go on a walk after dinner or look into guest passes at local gyms.
