Went way off course during a business trip. Any suggestions when meals are provided and being expected to smooze at the bar?

[deleted] · 3 months

Just pick the healthiest option. Everyone will assume its a power play.

zyzzogeton · 3 months

I am in sales and travel a lot (gold on American, Platinum on Amtrak). I drink Cranberry-Club sodas because they look like Vodka Cranberries. People don't really care what I drink, but that drink has the benefit of being low-cal, not soda, and makes me feel less self-conscious when others are drinking cocktails.

As for snacks, I focus on only high protein things like mixed nuts.

Finally, when it comes to the meals (I have the same situation you describe when I do trade shows and professional conferences). I eat protein and veg.. no breads or carbs. If there was a pasta dish, I would just eat the salad.

As I said above, all of this is to make me feel less self-conscious. I realized long ago that people don't really care what I eat or drink, thinking they were watching me was just arrogance on my part.

ksalley · 3 months

Wait, I know this one! The last few weeks I've had this issue as well. Let me say, as a low-carber* it's easier ( i can still get the steak).

But, I've begun to look more closely at what everyone else is getting. From the CEO to the intern, salad salad salad! Turns out, pretty much everyone is watching what the eat! Now, with a set meal it's trickier but not impossible.

The key is learning to eat around the "bad stuff" even when it's on your plate. Ignore the chips, just eat the sandwich. Or take the meat off the sandwich, and ignore the bread. It can be done, and not once have I ever had someone comment or disparage what I'm doing. I have had people say "what a good idea!", while they stuff a second cookie in their mouth. So, people will actually respect you for having the will power!

(oh, and on the drink front, order a glass of red wine and sip sloooooowly. And if you can be discreet, order a glass of soda water with lime. Looks like vodka soda, non of the calories!)

gasbrake · 3 months

I too would like to know the answer to this one.

grux41 · 3 months

Generally when at a bar with colleagues, if I want, I'll have one drink (whiskey/diet, or rum/diet) and then switch to just diet or club with a lime - looks like a drink - and I'm not blowing 100s of calories.

When it comes to pre-selected meals, I find there is usually always an option for salad, veggies, etc - if the served meal isn't too healthy - I'll eat a little bit and try to have a few Clif/Fiber One or other types of protien/energy bar in my briefcase to fill me up later.

ohrlynow · 3 months

Portion control, nobody said you have to eat it all

you'll need to login or register to do that

create a new account

login