Intro
Dietary Restrictions on business trips
Business trips can be exciting and rewarding opportunities to expand your network, learn new skills, and explore new places. However, they can also pose some challenges for your health and well-being, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences that may not be easily accommodated by your travel destination.
Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, allergic to nuts, or simply want to eat more fruits and vegetables, you may find it hard to stick to your diet while on the road.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy your trip without compromising your health or happiness.
In this blog we will discuss effective ways in dealing with dietary restrictions on business trips:
Communicate Your Dietary Restrictions Effectively
Communicating your dietary restrictions effectively to hosts, clients, or colleagues can be tricky, but not impossible.
If possible, let them know about your dietary restrictions before you travel or meet them. This can give them time to prepare or accommodate your needs and avoid any awkward situations or misunderstandings.
Whether it’s for health, religious, ethical, or personal reasons, explain why you have dietary restrictions and what they entail. Be friendly, but firm, and avoid being judgmental or defensive. You can also express your appreciation for their hospitality and willingness to help.
If you are traveling to a place where you don’t speak the language, learn how to say your dietary restrictions in the local language. You can also use online resources, travel guides, or apps to help you translate or communicate your needs. You can also ask someone who speaks the language, like a friend or a hotel concierge, to record what they say and play it back when needed.
If it’s a large gathering or a formal event, you can offer to bring food that suits your dietary restrictions or pay the extra cost for it. This can show your respect and gratitude for the host, and
also ensure that you have something to eat. You can also suggest restaurants or markets that cater to your needs if you are going out.
How to Cope with Factors That Can Affect Your Appetite & Metabolism
Jet lag, stress, and fatigue can affect your appetite and metabolism when you travel for work. Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy for your body. It is important to keep up your metabolism if you have certain dietary restrictions because it can help you maintain a healthy weight. A higher metabolism means you burn more calories, which can prevent weight gain or help you lose weight if you are overweight.
A balanced metabolism can support your immune system and help you fight off infections. However, extreme calorie restriction can impair your immune function and make you more susceptible to illness. A moderate calorie restriction can improve your metabolism and extend your lifespan, as well as reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Here are some ways to cope with factors can affect your appetite and metabolism:
- · Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to avoid dehydration, which can worsen jet lag symptoms and make you feel hungry or tired.
- · Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep, which can in turn affect your appetite and metabolism.
- · Try to expose yourself to natural light, exercise, eat, and sleep according to the local time of your destination. This can help you reset your circadian rhythm and reduce jet lag.
- · If possible, avoid napping during the day, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at night and delay your adaptation to the new time zone.
- · Try to eat small, balanced meals that contain protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Avoid Common Meal Mistakes
Some common meal mistakes that business travellers make are skipping breakfast, overeating, or drinking too much alcohol. Here are some ways to avoid them:
Don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it provides you with energy, nutrients, and satiety. Skipping breakfast can lead to hunger, cravings, and overeating later in the day. Choose a healthy breakfast that is high in protein and fibre, such as eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt with nuts and fruits.
Control your portions. When eating out, it can be easy to overeat, especially if you are served large portions or have access to buffets.
Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can add extra calories, dehydrate you, disrupt your sleep, and impair your judgment. To limit your alcohol intake, you can drink water or soda water between alcoholic drinks, choose lower-calorie drinks like wine or light beer, or avoid drinking altogether.
Choose Healthy Foods
Here are some tips on how to choose healthy foods at different places while traveling as part of dealing with dietary restrictions on business trips:
At the Airport
Look for fresh fruits, yogurt, soup, or salad as snacks or light meals. Avoid packaged and processed foods, fried foods, sugary drinks, and oversized portions.
At Your Hotel
Choose breakfast options that are high in protein and fibre, such as eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt with nuts and fruits.
Avoid pastries, muffins, or cereals that are high in sugar and refined carbs. If your hotel has a mini-fridge or a microwave, you can also bring your own healthy snacks or meals.
At Restaurants
Choose dishes that are grilled, steamed, baked, or roasted rather than fried or sautéed.
Ask for sauces and dressings on the side, and limit your intake of salt, sugar, and fat.
Fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains. Avoid appetizers, desserts, or alcoholic drinks that can add extra calories.
Keep Up with Exercising
Keeping up with exercise while traveling for work can be challenging, but not impossible.
Walk as much as you can, whether it’s to your meetings, around the airport, or while sightseeing.
Book a hotel that has a gym or a pool, or use day passes at local gyms to access equipment and classes.
Create a bodyweight exercise routine that you can do in your hotel room or outside.
Apps That Can Help You Track Diet & Exercise Goals While on the Road
Using apps can be a great way to help track your diet and exercise goals while on the road.
Find an app that lets you track your calories, macros, and nutrients, as well as your water intake and weight. You can also use an app for runners, as it tracks your distance, pace, time, and elevation.
Some apps give you access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts, such as cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation, and more.
Corporate travel management is an essential aspect of many businesses, facilitating face-to-face meetings, networking opportunities, and the expansion of global operations. It can also assist in help dealing with dietary restrictions on business trips
