Tips for Eating Healthy While Workshifting

This was originally posted on workshifting.com but thought it might be useful and interesting over here too.  If you haven’t checked out workshifting.com yet, please subscribe and let me know what you think.

As a web commuter we spend most of our time in cafes, airports, hotels, flying, driving, or a number of other places andfoodboard modes of travel.  This means that we’re usually at the mercy of whatever is closest and fastest for food.  We’re also constantly surrounded by food which leads to the temptation to snack more than usual.  Before web commuting became a regular part of my life, anything that included traveling was excuse enough for me to eat anything and everything I could find.  Fast food at the airport. Check. Multiple snacks on the plane.  Yup.  A cookie at the cafe. Uh huh.

Now that I spend most of my time away from home, I’ve had to re-evaluate that strategy.  It was great while it lasted.  The temptation is always there for us though, isn’t it?  If you work in a traditional office, you only have to worry about the vending machine or bowl of candy at the receptionist desk.  Not us.  We have to be even more conscious of it because our offices are places where there’s normally food of some kind being served.

So, what can we do to make sure we’re eating healthy as a web commuter?

6 Tips to Healthier Eating as a Web Commuter

1. Pack trail mix or granola.  There are a ton of varieties out there now so you can find the kind that fits your taste.  I find some of my favorite at Trader Joes.  Alternatively, you can make your own easily.

2. Don’t fall victim to fast food restaurants at the airport.  More and more airports are taking the time to bring in local fare, celebrity chefs and other nice touches that allow you to avoid fast food.  Looking for a list of some of the top airport restaurants in the country?  Frommer’s recently published their list of the 13 Best U.S. Airport Restaurants.

3. Avoid the super grande mocha double espresso frothy chocolaty drink that you always get.  Starbucks has a great nutritional guide to help you out.  Hint: Go skim.  You can’t really taste the difference and it lowers the calories and fat by a lot!

4. Just because you’re there, doesn’t mean you have to eat.  Save on the cost of a couple cookies and make a small donation to charity.

5. Step away from the peanuts! If you’re flying, and have the choice, opt for one of the healthier options.  I happen to like the Terra Blue Chips available on JetBlue.

6. Get outside! We’re so trained to go work from a cafe, hotel lobby or sandwich shop but why not go out to the local park and do some work for a little while?

What are your tips for eating healthy as a web commuter?

Photo by: jonathan.youngblood

Written by Justin Levy

View Comments to Tips for Eating Healthy While Workshifting
  1. Robert1er
    July 19, 2009 | 4:50 pm

    As a diabetic and a part-time road warrior I appreciate the challenge of roaming nutrition more than most. A simple thing that helps me a lot is carrying a full water bottle with me. Not only do I keep hydrated, something that's always a challenge in transit (especially when flying) but I'm a lot more selective of my beverages and snacks. Because I'm not ordering food and drinks on an empty belly, smaller servings are more appealing.

  2. justinlevy
    July 19, 2009 | 7:46 pm

    I can definitely understand how that can be a challenge…especially to eat
    healthy. Carrying a bottle of water is an excellent tip. I try to always
    have a bottle of water with me either while I'm at home or traveling. If I
    have water (and healthy snacks) with me, I'm not nearly as tempted to have
    the crap that is offered.

  3. dfgdfg
    July 19, 2009 | 11:07 pm

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    This comment was originally posted on FriendFeed

  4. knealemann
    July 20, 2009 | 3:50 pm

    @justinlevy weaves two passions here nicely – workshifting (client) and eating well. http://tinyurl.com/klh8h6

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  5. startabuzz
    July 20, 2009 | 4:11 pm

    Great post both times! RT @knealemann: @justinlevy weaves two passions here nicely: @workshifting and eating well. http://tinyurl.com/klh8h6

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  6. Christine
    July 23, 2009 | 3:10 pm

    It can be hard eating healthy while working shifts but it is possible. I myself have always done the whole packed lunch but there is always the temptation of quick meals on the way. If you are worried that you are going to be too tired after work to make a healthy dinner consider making dinners in advance and freezing them. It is a great way and you are still getting the nutrition you need.

    Christine

  7. Ribeezie
    July 24, 2009 | 5:10 pm

    Tips for Eating Healthy While Workshifting: http://su.pr/7TPMkM I’m guilty of #3. But I do get out often (#6)…

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  8. Ricardo Bueno
    July 24, 2009 | 5:15 pm

    I'm guilty of #3. Mine is a Caramel Machiatto tho or a Grande Latte… Either way, bad habit. I have however made it a habit to get out for some fresh air as of late to either: dine out for lunch at the Americana (it's an outside shopping mall). I'll go for a walk, have a light lunch (sandwich or salad) and wander over to the bookstore. Also, I've made it a habit to schedule an early afternoon jog/run while the sun's still out. For me, the exercise gets me pumped for the rest of the day as opposed to making me tired.

  9. justinlevy
    July 26, 2009 | 9:27 am

    I agree, exercise gets me more pumped. A few weeks ago I started
    getting up earlier to workout before starting my day. While it can be
    really rough getting up that early, I'm loving how I feel after I come
    back, shower and have a protein shake. One suggestion I'd make is
    buying a pedometer. I finally did last weekend and since then I've
    been competing with myself every day to improve. :)

  10. justinlevy
    July 26, 2009 | 9:29 am

    Making meals ahead of time is key. Even when I don't cook meals ahead
    of time, I do some of the prep work. When we buy any meat from the
    grocery store, we package it into individual servings. That way, I
    can come home, grab a package of chicken, pop it in the microwave to
    defrost and it only takes a few minutes. I think it's critical to do
    little hacks like that so that you can't make excuses during the week.

  11. Owyn
    July 27, 2009 | 8:45 am

    Completely agree with you two. Even such small little steps can make a huge difference for the rest of the week. My freezer is full of meat, but everything is portioned for what we'd eat at the meal. Thanks for the great article Justin.

  12. Bill Medifast
    September 15, 2009 | 12:24 pm

    I am the packed lunch nut! Every single day I ensure I have packed a good meal plus all the snacks I can fit. I hate getting hungry at work and if I do and don't have anything to eat it means off to that pesky little vending machine I say I'll never touch. Great article Justin!

  13. justinlevy
    September 15, 2009 | 7:21 pm

    Luckily for me, we don't have a vending machine at the office. But, I
    agree. I always have to have lots of snacks around me or else I get cranky
    :)

  14. justinlevy
    September 15, 2009 | 11:21 pm

    Luckily for me, we don't have a vending machine at the office. But, I
    agree. I always have to have lots of snacks around me or else I get cranky
    :)

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