Picture this, you’re placed on an assignment for 13 weeks in a foreign place and unfortunately the only housing option you have is a hotel or motel. Your only appliances are a mini-fridge and a microwave. You immediately have doubt and are unsure if you made the right decision accepting the assignment. You understand the predicament because of the limited housing options but you still want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Below are a few tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living out of a hotel or motel.
1. Consult the hotel manager or front desk and ask if they would allow you to have an indoor grill (such as a George Foreman), crockpot, electric skillet, and/or griddle in your room since you are going to be there for an extended amount of time and would like to be able to prepare and cook your own meals. This is crucial and allows you to prepare fresh, homemade meals instead of eating fast food or ordering in/out. Not to mention the money you will save in the process.
Pro Tip: Crockpots are wonderful things. Put in your choice of meat, marinate it with soup mix or sauce, add your favorite veggies, and cook on low while at work. Your dinner will be waiting for you – literally – when you get home.
2. Bring a cooler with you or purchase one to give you additional space to store frozen and refrigerated products. Beverages can be kept in the cooler as well to free up space in the mini-fridge.
3. Take advantage of the continental breakfast if one is provided. Stock up on fresh fruits and yogurt all while getting a hot breakfast to start your day off right.
4. Eating fresh vegetables can be challenging but there is a great alternative in the frozen food section. Take advantage of the “Steamer” bags that numerous brands offer. It’s the same healthy nutrients that fresh steamed veggies offer but the convenience of cooking them in your microwave. For your carbs, there are a variety of white and brown rice that you simply place in the microwave and it steams right in the bag. Sweet potatoes can easily be cooked in the microwave as well.
5. Purchase a blender for delicious and easy smoothies that can be made with fresh or frozen fruit as well as your favorite protein supplement. Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery and a good protein powder is a great way to maximize your protein intake.
Since space is limited, plan all your meals out for the week in advance, and grocery shop each week for those specific items. It not only will accommodate the limited fridge space, but will help eliminate food spoiling and going to waste. It’s a proven fact that meal prepping helps you stay on track for that healthy lifestyle and helps you save time in the process. These tips will hopefully arm you with some options to consider if you ever find yourself having to live out of a hotel or motel.
By JD Westering, Team Lead/Account Manager – Aureus Medical Group/Lab Division