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November 17, 2004
Santa Cruz, Calif.—The day before Thanksgiving will arguably be
the most popular day of the year in the U.S. for traveling. The following
day will inarguably be the most popular day of the year in the U.S. for
gorging.
 But
you can avoid that stuffed turkey feeling following your trip to
grandmother's house this holiday. Dr. Terry Riley, author of "The Complete
Travel Diet," offers a few, simple guidelines.
1. EAT
Travelers can find themselves alternating between meager food selections
while in transit and massive portions of food when arriving at grandma's.
Not good. If you don't eat regularly throughout the day, you'll be famished
by the time you sit down at the Thanksgiving table, and you'll likely
overeat. It's best to eat smaller portions throughout the day so you won't
be compelled to stuff yourself when it's turkey time.
2. DRINK
Heating and air exchange systems in cars, buildings, airplanes and homes all
dehumidify the air. Low humidity causes your body to lose water—water that
must be replenished for your digestive system to function efficiently. Keep
your stomach filled with water and you will not only provide your digestive
system with the fluid it needs, but you'll also have a sense of fullness
that will help forestay hunger. (Oh, by the way, limit caffeine and alcohol.
They can act as diuretics—not the effect you are looking for when you are
trying to keep yourself hydrated.)
3. MOVE
How much you eat is only half the secret to controlling your weight while
traveling. The other half is how much you move. Being active will help to
burn off the extra calories you are likely to take in during the holidays.
Whenever possible, avoid using trams, moving sidewalks, people movers,
escalators, elevators or other mechanical conveyances for traveling short
distances. Park in the farthest spot when stopping your car for a break;
walk between gates when making airplane connections.
4. ENJOY
Trying to adhere to any strict diet regimen can get in the way of enjoying
yourself. Instead, practice moderation. Take only half of the amounts of
food that you might normally load on to your plate during your first pass at
the dinner table, keeping in mind that you can always have "seconds." (The
notion here is that by the time you get around to having seconds, you're not
all that hungry anymore.)
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