As a FitnessRx for Women reader, you live a fitness lifestyle. You train 4-5 days a week, you have a close, personal relationship with the treadmill, you cook all your food for the week every Sunday, and your cooler doubles as your purse most days. Your life is structured and follows a comfortable routine. You’re happy that you’re making great progress on your goal. But how do you cope when life events get in the way?
When you’re in the midst of working hard to achieve a goal, it can be difficult to deal with the inevitable interruptions of life events. Weddings, vacations, road trips, business travel, and family obligations can be factors in potential derailment from your goals unless you plan and prepare.
Travel
If you’re traveling to an event or meeting, book a hotel that has a gym, a few pieces of cardio equipment, or is located near a gym. Pack your iPod and a few sets of workout clothes so you can continue following your training plan. You may also want to request a refrigerator and microwave in your hotel room
Determine how many meals you need to bring with you and which things you can purchase once you reach your destination. Before you leave, measure your food and pack your meals in a gallon size baggie labeled with the day. Also pack any supplements and vitamins you may need.
If you’re taking a road trip, perhaps you just need to pack enough meals for the duration of the drive. If there’s room in your car, bring along several coolers: one with wheels that you can pull behind you, and one with a shoulder strap that you can bring with you to events. If you have a cooler that plugs into the car outlet, that’s even better!
If you’re traveling by plane, pack some food in your suitcase and bring a small cooler with you on the plane. After you go through security, fill some empty baggies with ice from an airport bar or restaurant to keep your food cold on the flight. Remember that peanut butter is considered a “liquid”!
Social Events
Attending social events can be stressful on several levels. You may get a lot of questions and comments about your diet and training plan, and some people may offer a less than positive opinion about your goals. Paste a smile on your face and be as polite as possible.
If the food at the event isn’t congruent with your meal plan, don’t be afraid to pack your own food in your (cute) purse cooler. While you may receive some questions and comments, keep in mind that you aren’t obligated to eat the food provided at the event. It’s perfectly acceptable to swap out that glass of wine for your protein shake.
Life happens. It’s up to you how you want to deal with it. You’ve got goals, you’ve got a plan, and you’ve got the willpower and desire to continue making progress. Plan ahead, prepare, and don’t be afraid to answer some questions about why you’re eating a protein bar instead of wedding cake. You live the fitness lifestyle, and you’re on your way to achieving your goals!