Sensei Talks

Truth, Myth & Opinion on Health, Wellness & Diet

Search Sensei Talks

Labels

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Hungry in Vegas?

Vegas is now one of the “foodies” favorite cities, which is why I was so excited for my trip a few weeks ago. There are literally hundreds of great restaurants along the 4 mile “Strip”, with the most concentrated cluster within the Venetian hotel and casino, which also includes the Palazzo hotel. Top chefs like Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller, David Burke and Todd English make Las Vegas a real “gastronomical” destination. But at the same time, Las Vegas has also become feared by weight conscious travelers, in the same manner as travelling by cruise ship.

Like other vacation destinations, Vegas has tons of fast food restaurants and other unhealthy food temptations like ice cream parlors, bakeries, coffee shops, chocolate shops and endless bars. This can make eating while traveling very challenging, especially when one doesn’t plan ahead.

If you check what restaurants or type of food is available beforehand, you can surely avoid the traps. And one has to be honest; there is always a choice, but sometimes we may be a little weak in selecting the “healthiest options”. For example, one can stop at a convenience store or even a drug store to get a snack. I have seen some people walk out with bags of pork rinds and others leaving with milk and Fig Newtons or a package of deli turkey and a granola bar. It is all possible if you are prepared, because your health does not take vacations.

To avoid gaining weight and enjoy the Vegas attractions, here are a few tips:

Before the trip, monitor how many steps you take on a regular basis by wearing a pedometer for a few days. While on vacation, double the number of steps you take.
Go easy on the “rewards”. Remember 2000 steps is approximately one mile, and a person of 150 lb would only burn about 100 calories for that amount of walking.
Stay away from buffets! You know you will probably stop for a snack anyway, so don’t overeat to keep yourself full until the next meal.
Walk on the sidewalks and through the casinos. You’ll almost double your mileage and see the sites.
If you are on a “walking mission”, do it early in the morning when it’s not as hot and the sidewalks are not crowded.
Don’t were black! Keep your black outfits for the evening. Lighter colors absorb less heat and are cooler.
Stay well hydrated by carrying a water bottle and drinking frequently.
Stay cool by walking through air conditioned casinos.
Ask your server how large the portion sizes are before you order.
Order two appetizers instead of a huge entrée. This way you’ll get to sample more of the good food with less calories.
Stay away from fried food…it all tastes the same anyway!
Walk, walk and walk some more. If your feet hurt, stop for a foot massage, they’re great!