I work in social media marketing at a startup. We like to go to conferences and talk about things like the ROI of a Tweet. I also go to startupish events because I like hanging out with passionate young minds like myself. This stuff is fun! However, the booze-filled nights of mingling at bars then *sitting* idly at a convention center isn't necessarily the best for your waistline. Here are things I try to do.
BYOB - Bring Your Own Breakfast.
A lot of times conferences serve breakfast, but it's probably catered breakfasts of pastries and muffins. All of these things are okay in moderation of course, but a healthier option is probably in your own kitchen. Bring some oatmeal packets and use the hot water from the tea station to make something with fewer calories. You'll feel much better the whole day with a healthy breakfast to start the day off with.
Don't Skip Your Workout
Don't skip your workout just because you're traveling. It feels better to stay on a schedule. Do it in the morning or it won't get done, with networking meetups and other events most likely happening right after the final keynotes of the conference. Plus, it's a networking opportunity, right? You never know who is staying in your hotel, too and who is on the treadmill next to you.
Dessert Or No Dessert?
If you really want the cookies they serve in the afternoon, have one, obviously! But remember, a cookie should be the size of say, a Chips Ahoy - not a frisbee. I try to keep in mind that even when it's a special day in my mind and I try to make excuses (it's a conference...I'm traveling...I can slack) my body knows no difference. A calorie is a calorie.
Drink In Moderation - Or Not at All!
Networking mixers often include meetups at bars which means drinking. We all know that I can be a lush. But alcohol does have a lot of calories so I try actually keep it at a minimum and pick one drink I can get really excited about for the night and keep it at that. Wine is usually around 150 calories a class. Or, choose vodka. It's around 100 calories a shot and if you mix it with soda water or diet then you can save few calories than if you mix it with juice. Also, you don't have to drink at all. It is an option, and don't let others make you awkward about it. :)
Any other tips? How do you stay fit during conference season?
