Healthy Eating at Expo West

I’ve already made my packing list for Expo West. Business cards, check; umbrella, check; healthy eating? Uh…that one is a little more up in the air for the weekend of the natural, organic and healthy products trade show on March 12 to 14 in Anaheim, CA. If you’ve been before, you know eating is a big part of the agenda. The samples all over the show floor just HAVE to be tried (for journalistic principals, obviously), and then I am lucky enough to go to dinner with some of the big fishes in the industry.

Still, I want to try to be healthier. For instance, if I’m going to eat a plate of pasta at dinner, I promise to ask if they have a whole-wheat variety. An article on CNN may just help me through this tough over-indulgent weekend. In an advice column, Amy from Washington asked how she could eat healthy on a business trip, knowing that every meal will be in a restaurant. CNN diet and fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis, who is also a physician nutrition specialist, said planning ahead is key to success.

Jampolis suggested Amy find out whether the hotel serves breakfast (and if so, what’s on the menu), and whether the room contains a microwave or mini-fridge. Then, upon arrival, Jampolis said she should find a market to stock up on healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and low-sugar energy bars, so she won’t arrive at restaurant meals famished. I doubt I will spend any time famished at Expo West, but I will stock up on fruits and water from the local gas station when I get into town.

She also said Amy should try to find out beforehand what will be served at lunches and dinners, and figure out what the healthiest options are. She said its best to choose lean protein, vegetables and whole grains at meals, and warned high-fat preparation methods include frying, sautéeing and breading. Other tips include getting sauce or dressing on the side, getting two healthier appetizers instead of a meal, and not indulging too much in bread, dessert and alcohol.

And, she said try to burn off those excess calories by working out. Last year, my first year at Expo West, I brought a jump rope that went unused the entire weekend, so I think I’ll leave it at home this year. However, I justify and say I spend the entire day on my feet walking the show floor, so that burns calories.

In the end, I know it will be a weekend of excess, but I will TRY every single sample, ooops, I mean try to eat as healthy as possible.