First time away from home since I was diagnosed T2. This is hard!

Infosec · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 07:06 PM

Today I am on my first business trip (not eating at home/meals prepared at home) since I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with T2. I just looked at the restaurant and room service menus--seeing what my dinner and breakfast options are going to be. I miss all the healthy food options I have at home!! Grrrr!! I have to go to several sites over then next few days and meet quite a few new people. I will be having meetings and some during lunch with them. I am a little stressed about how I am going to leave a professional image yet still make the best meal options. Also how/were I will test my glucose levels. I know things will go OK over the next few days but just like when I was fist diagnosed with T2 and felt I had to step into a new world, I somewhat feel that way again right now.

The typical comfort foods I packed in the past are not here. I did bring some oatmeal though... Somehow, having a big bowl of that right now is not the same as polishing off a 10 serving back of candy. I think I am going to go find a treadmill and try to do a few miles on that! This Hilton should have a small fitness center. I am going to do that right now! later all.

Keezheekoni · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 08:40 PM

When I'm traveling, I tend to check the websites of the restaurants I'll be eating at. That way I can see the nutrition info ahead of time, choose what I'll eat, etc. As far as testing while you are out, most people don't have a problem with you testing right at the table. Just tell them you're diabetic and they'll understand. If you aren't comfortable with testing in front of them, you can always excuse yourself to the restroom. Or, do it in the car before you go in to the restaurant.

Good luck! I used to love traveling for the companies I worked with. That's really the only reason I'd go back to work if I wanted to... I love traveling!

Penny · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 09:27 PM

When I travel, I always try to find a grocery for at least one meal a day. Most of them have fresh salad bars and a deli. When you have had a hard day, away from home, it is always nice to be able to sit back in your room and relax and have a meal you know won't cause too many problems.

duck · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 09:59 PM

I travel starting in about 4 hours...Infosec, give yourself some time to adjust. Don't expect perfection on this trip, but take notes and plan accordingly for the next.

Infosec · #5 (**permalink**) 07-27-2006, 06:31 PM

Thank you guys for the support and tips. I get to return home tomorrow thank God; I miss my wife and dogs!! They have a buffet at the Hilton here in the morning. I have been filling up my plate each morning with fruit. I did tell one of the people I am working each day that I am diabetic and to please ignore my finicky eating. She said one of her family members has diabetes and understood. It was not as awkward as I thought. For dinner I have been ordering the Fiesta Fruit Platters along with just eating the chicken from one of their main dishes. I did skip lunch yesterday (was at clients site and all unhealthy junk food) but have been managing to eat OK overall. I have also been getting on the treadmill in the fitness center every night. I wait till after it is dark because everyone that is in the pool area during the day can see into the fitness room and I don't wan them to see this fat guy (me) on the treadmill.

I know that should not matter.. I also have to travel next week to Las Vegas ("Defcon 14" - major yearly hacker convention). I will meet my boss and other coworkers there. I don't work at the same office site as them so I don't see my boss or coworkers that often. The trip I am on now has built up my confidence about having to tell people I am diabetic (when needed) and also knowing I can eat healthy when on business trips.
Thank you guys for the support; I was so stressed about this.
Thanks again!!

Keezheekoni · #6 (**permalink**) 07-27-2006, 06:55 PM

Congrats on your healthy eating while you're not at home.

As a side note, my husband would love to join you in Vegas. He's jealous. His company doesn't send him to conventions anymore. He used to show at Comdex and others.

Have fun in Vegas!

Mark.R · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2006, 01:34 AM

I have also recently been diagnosed T2 and am going to Cuba for 2 weeks in September.

I am going to forget the T2 for the duration and live life to the full ll for the holiday. Two weeks out of 52 isnt that irresposible, is it?

mg_2204 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-28-2006, 02:26 AM

I haven't been recently diagnosed and I always find it a bit difficult when I am travelling. Some restaurants do have healthy options, which is great! When it comes to a junk food place well I do have some. I will have a hamburger but no fries. I try to cut down all I can. And you do not have to clean your plate. Leave on your plate some of it, basically what is less good for your health.

On your way to the train station, the bus station, the airport, the conference room, etc... you can always buy an apple, a small cheese. It's a great snack, and often will reduce your hunger before a big corporate meal.

Diet fizzy drinks (sodas) will INCREASE your hunger. Be aware of that.

Walk as much as you can. Use the stairs.

When you finally go home simply work a little harder to make up for your business trip. Don't beat yourself up if you couldn't do exactly what you do at home. Stress is not good for you anyway

Every little thing you do when on a business trip, even the smallest of thing, does count!

The very best to you!

diaconfused · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infosec

First time away from home since I was diagnosed T2. This is hard!

I hear ya! I have been away for a couple of days at a time since being diagnosed, but nothing major. That will come soon: I'm going to be on the road non-stop from Labor Day until Christmas!

I have no idea how I'm going to handle it - I'll have to take it as it comes, I guess.

seacomp · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark.R

I have also recently been diagnosed T2 and am going to Cuba for 2 weeks in September.

I am going to forget the T2 for the duration and live life to the full ll for the holiday. Two weeks out of 52 isnt that irresposible, is it?

Were you on insulin, it is possible to be "irresponsible" to a degree because you can "cover" what you eat. "Living life to the full" as diabetic in a country whose main export is sugar is not very wise. A couple of weeks running 20+ (360+) could be very damaging. At least, continue to take any meds and test your BG often; you don't want to pay for this trip the rest of your life.
Other than that, have a good time!