I'm BACK and Here's Some Info on Traveling with Advanced Prep Meal

It has been MONTHS! I know, I know and I missed you all!! I really did. I kept saying, oh that should go on my blog or oooo I should write about that. But alas, time got away from me. But I can tell you what I've been up to :)

1. Landed my dream job!! And let me tell you, it's exactly what I want to do. Day-in and day-out I get to do work that is rewarding and fulfilling. Not to mention I am finally getting back to a normal workout routine, including yoga that's offered through my office.

2. Started my nutrition certificate program. One of the most interesting things we are doing is tracking and analyzing our diets. I'm learning a lot so be prepared for more information!!

3. I have started writing a cookbook. It will have a very unique twist :)

4. And don't think for one minute I haven't been cooking. Here's just a little visual taste:

And now for the meat of this post. I noticed a fellow alum of my high school was not only preparing her meals in advance, but she was traveling with the food she prepared. She is also one of the few people I know that has prepared for and competed in a figure competition. I definitely wanted to share what she shared with me.

My questions for her were:

1. How long has you been preparing your food for your trips?
2. How do you prepare the food for traveling (e.g. do you freeze it, use special containers)?
3. What do we need to know about getting food through airport security?
4. How has this been beneficial to you?
5. Do you any tips for anyone that wants to start traveling with their food?

And here are her answers as she was traveling to a conference:

1. I always travel with adequate snacks and breakfast, such as oatmeal
packets, apples, and protein bars. I hate that starving feeling and having to
eat an unfulfilling bag of chips or candy bar. I like to save those treats for
when I actually just want to snack on something salty or sugary, as oppose to
when my body is craving protein.

2. I purchased a Six Pack Fitness bag for $69.99 that I use every day. It
is completely insulated and has kept my food chilled for over 24 hours before
(when opened minimally). It comes with 2 gel packets, that you freeze and store
inside. When traveling through an airport, the gel freezer packs must be
completely frozen, otherwise they are considered a liquid or gel and will get
thrown away at the security checkpoint.

     *  I eat 6 meals a day. But I also count 1 oz of almonds and a protein
shake as a meal. So it’s all relative to your particular diet and definition of
a meal.

     *  I did not have to freeze any of my meals. The reason for this is that I
usually call head and ask the hotel for a microwave and mini refrigerator, if
they do not already provide those items in the room. The most I have ever been
charged is $30 for both, for my entire stay. Which isn't bad when you consider
the money you save on eating breakfast in your room, as opposed to out every
single day. Most times, the hotel does not charge for either item.

     *  It’s difficult to explain how I pack my Six Pack Bag, unless you have
one. But just know that I stuff it to the max and use mostly ziplock bags (not
eco friendly but I only use them when I travel). I chill everything the day
before, so that it is already cold before packing it into the cooler/bag.

3. As far as the airport security, just know that everything must be a
solid or frozen. No creams, sauces, gels, or liquids. If it’s questionable,
freeze it. Just make sure you leave enough food thawed to eat when you arrive.

4. Packing my food for travel is beneficial in many ways. As I am preparing
for my bodybuilding competition, it allows me to stay on my diet, without
spending a ton of money on food. When I am not preparing for a competition, it
allows me to eat well in the airport, while also eating healthy and saving
money. When I travel for leisure, I like to eat the local food. But I almost
always pack oatmeal, fruits, and protein bars… because I am a snacker.

5. My biggest tip for someone that wants to begin traveling with their
meals are below.

     *  Cook your meals the day before and make sure
they are chilled or frozen. But remember to have your first day's worth of food
thawed, so you can eat while traveling and upon arrival.

     *  Make sure to account for your food bag/cooler (I would suggest Six Pack
Fitness bag)as a carry on. When possible, only take fruits, packets of oatmeal,
and other packaged items that can be thrown into a normal carry-on luggage with
other items.

     *  No liquids or gels, this includes sauces, chowders, thick condiments and
anything else that has a gel or liquid consistency. These items will get thrown
away at the airport security checkpoint.

     *  If you are dieting for something in particular, then you probably need
to pack every meal. But if not, enjoy the local food and culture. Pack the
foods that are necessary for financial reasons, or the easiest to travel with
like breakfast and snacks. But try to enjoy at least one local meal a day. Food
is such a big part of experiencing life and the beautiful people who influence
it. Carpe diem.




And there you have it!




Look for some holiday recipes from me very very soon!




Salud lovelies!