So January’s nearly over and it’s a case of so far so good. You’re keeping up with your ‘New year - new me’ resolutions and the healthy diet and exercise regime is a resounding success! This is easy right? But hang on – that first business trip of the year is looming. You’re about to be thrown out of your comfort zone, away from the routine you’ve just spent weeks working on.
A fortnight working away is the first big test of the year… You fear it could only take a couple of days before the temptation is too strong and you take that second trip to the hotel breakfast buffet. Then you may as well order that late night cheeseburger off the room service menu, and what harm can a few after-work drinks with colleagues in the hotel bar do? Before you can say ‘Veganuary’ you’re back to square one.
You tell yourself it’s a work trip. You can’t help it – it’s impossible to maintain that healthy lifestyle while working away. Right? This however is where staying in a serviced apartment over a hotel has its advantages. Having access to a fully equipped kitchen allows you to stick to a routine, as you plan and prepare meals in your home away from home. With more space you’re also able to get that home workout done in the morning – just use your serviced apartment’s smart TV, find your favourite fitness video on Youtube and get it done!
Staying healthy while working away can also have a positive effect on your mental health and will help with reducing the common stresses often felt by business travellers. A recent survey from Homelike stated: “Our research proves what we already knew, that people are moving away from booking a hotel are instead looking for a higher quality, more comfortable experience when travelling long-term for business.” With mental health problems costing UK busniesses £35 million in 2018, an employee’s well being should always be the height of consideration when booking corporate accommodation.
So don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are our best tips on how to eat healthily when working away from home.
Be organised
If you’re wondering how to eat healthily when on that short term contract in a new environment the first tip lies in being organised. If you know you have a busy schedule over the next few days, think ahead and prepare your next day’s lunch the previous evening so it is ready to grab and go. Not having a healthy pre-made lunch means you’re likely to turn to the nearest fast food restaurant or fill yourself up with expensive coffee shop treats or the dreaded supermarket sandwich!!
Try Batch Meal Prepping
While a fully equipped kitchen grants you endless possibilities when it comes to cooking, we all know that if you’ve got back-to-back meetings or places to be it can seem difficult to come back at the end of a long day and start from scratch. If you are staying in an apartment for a week or even longer, try making a meal one night with extra portions in mind and freezing them. Knowing there is a healthy meal ready to be defrosted and thrown in the oven at a moment’s notice can be a dream after a long day in the office!
Swap your snacks
Another top tip on how to eat healthily when working away from home is by keeping an eye on what you buy. If you are travelling of course you should have a treat or two and sample the local delicacies, but making sure you have plenty of healthy snacks available will mean you can maintain a good sense of balance. If you don’t have unhealthy snacks like crisps, cakes or sweets in the cupboards then you can’t eat them, and replacing these with fresh fruit, nuts or low-fat yoghurts will not only give you a pick-me-up, but you’ll feel better than having a bar of chocolate.
Plan ahead!
Work out how long you will be staying for and how many meals you will be eating where you are staying and then draw up a list. By planning your meals and getting your shopping out of the way at the beginning you will know that you have food in that needs using instead of reaching for the number of the nearest takeaway.
Variety is the spice of life
If you will be away for a while, don’t make yourself tired of the same old meals by day three. Pick a good range of choices and try to choose each days meals with a different source of protein in mind, a variety of vegetables and accompanying good carbohydrates like brown rice, sweet potatoes, legumes such as lentils or grains like quinoa and pick a different theme for each night. You could try a healthy curry, a homemade pizza (much easier than it sounds, trust us!) a Spanish paella or a nourishing ramen and know that you have something different to look forward to every day!
Treat Yourself!
Working away from home is tough, and this shouldn't be made harder by completely ruling out the occasional treat. Have a cheat day - perhaps one day a week when anything goes. Enjoy a long lazy brunch on a Sunday, or an indulgent feast from your favourite takeaway. Just make sure you reset and start again the next day!
Want to put your cooking skills to the test with your new health knowledge? All of our apartments come with fully equipped kitchens so you can channel your inner Jamie or Nigella, just don’t channel your Ramsey! Book with us and see what culinary creations you can accomplish.