Last week, I set out on a noble mission – to accomplish the “world’s healthiest business trip.” And while I don’t know if “world’s” healthiest is true. But it was definitely healthy for me, and beat my last business trip where I was so busy, I ordered Pizza Hut to my hotel room instead of going out.
So, as promised on Facebook, I’m giving you my full meal plan. I did, in fact, take photos. But I’ve decided not to bore you with my iPhone quality pics.
Thursday, November 3 Choices
Breakfast – O’Hare Airport – Very little in the E concourse was healthy – McDonald’s, Nuts on Clark, Candy and Chips. It’s all there. I found an Argo Tea and ordered their four cheese quiche. Though seemingly healthy and filled with protein, I was a little surprised to check their website and find it had 402 calories. But an ok breakfast overall and much better than an Egg McMuffin.
Snack – Philly Airport – a Kind bar with yogurt, an easy “get it anywhere” pick-me-up.
Lunch – Washington DC – I decided that if I was going to “splurge” – either monetarily or calorically, I would do it at one of my favorite restaurants. So I took myself to Old Ebbitt Grill, where I once celebrated my 21st birthday, and ordered the trout. It came with potatoes and a huge pile of steamed broccoli. I, being the healthiest business traveler in the world, filled up on broccoli first, didn’t eat the potatoes, and didn’t even finish the trout because I was so full from the broccoli (oh, yeah, and an indulgent but tiny cup of clam chowder as an app).
Late Snack – Washington DC – I grabbed a plate of strawberries and a tiny scoop of chocolate mousse from Whole Foods. A delicious dessert to end the day.
Total Calories from Thursday: 1,723
Friday, November 4 Choices
Breakfast – Washington DC Hotel – Continental breakfast at my hotel, and I think I did pretty well. An english muffin with some butter, a banana, some yogurt and granola.
Lunch – During my meetings – A catered lunch produced mostly chips and sandwiches, but I chose healthily. I had half of a turkey wrap, and the loaded up on salad with very little dressing. Finally, a tiny slice of brownie to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Afternoon Snack – Cosi – Banana
Dinner – Reagan National Airport – Once again, the demon of airport food. But luckily I managed to find a cheese/grapes plate as well as one of those single serve hummus and pretzel cups.
Total Calories from Friday: 1,635
The hardest portion of my eating healthy during a business trip quest was by far the beginning and the end – airport food. Not easy to find healthy food. But I think, overall, I did the best possible. Overall, I’m incredibly proud of my food choices, and now confident that I can continue to be a frequent business traveler without packing on the pounds.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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