Best Boomer Towns Columns

Travel Fitness Tips for Baby Boomers

I'm writing this article on a bus in Mexico. For those of you who don't already know this, I've been singing since I was 4 years old and have been blessed with an opportunity to do a short tour of Mexico singing with the Glen Miller Big Band this month.

My fellow musicians know I've been a fitness professional for many years and have been seeking my advice about what to eat while on the road and how to keep fit. I thought what a great idea for an article to help others who travel.

First thing I can tell you is to eat light meals throughout the day opposed to 3 big meals. This will keep your metabolism fueled to burn fat and keep your blood sugar levels even to keep your energy consistent. The best choices for breakfast are fresh fruit and vegetables, egg whites, slow cooked oatmeal or whole grain breads and cereals. Portion control is key for weight control. A good choice could be a few scrambled egg whites, a cup of fresh fruit and a slice of whole grain toast or half a cup of oatmeal. 3 hours later have a piece of cheese and a handful of dried fruit. Now note that you can pack some string cheese, dried fruits and nuts in your bag in case you don't have access to these items.

Now of course enjoy yourself while you're on vacation, just eat healthy and light and you will feel good about yourself and have a lot of energy. For lunch and dinner, choose grilled and broiled lean fish, turkey, chicken or beef. Vegetarians can eat tofu for protein if available or legumes, eggs or nuts. Have plenty of fresh vegetables and have sauces on the side for dipping instead of saturating your food. Salads are great but once again be careful of dressings because they are usually loaded with fat. If you are in a non-familiar place and the water is questionable, ask if they have filtered water and make sure the salad and ice cubes are prepared with the purified water. Don't take a chance with your health by having unfamiliar water in your system. I'm sure you've heard stories of those effects. Drink at least 8 glasses of bottled water a day. Dehydration can make you very fatigued and craving sugar and carbohydrates. It also dries out your lips and skin.

Now the fitness part of my journey has been an adventure. I was told not to venture out and take walks around because the drivers here can be quite reckless and don't give pedestrians the right of way. Also, some of the areas we have been traveling to are not exactly the safest places to be. So I walk on the treadmill in the gym or swim laps in the pool and if the equipment is lacking, I do push ups, and sit ups,
squats and lunges, and floor work on a mat or a few towels for my lower body and abdominals. A good thing to bring is an exercise band that has two handles and a piece that you attach to a door. It's a great portable resistance gym that is so easy to pack. Most of them have a chart included demonstrating the right way to do different exercises. Most sporting good stores sell these bands.

Of course if you're on vacation and it's sunny, please use a strong sunscreen and apply often. Have fun, have a dessert and enjoy yourself. Just remember to stay active and make healthy food choices. Email me with your questions and comments. I'd love to hear from you. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)