It’s been an awesome weekend of catching up with family and friends. I flew back to Ohio for a long-ish weekend and I’ve been reunited with so many wonderful people. Friday afternoon I drove all around the city visiting friends and family. After quite a few cups of coffee with my Grandma, I headed to Dan the Baker’s toast bar. I got to catch up with my dear friend (and former piano teacher) Christine and it was so lovely just talking and talking over toast.

toast with christine

Yes, I got a flight of toast! Seriously, who wants to open a toast bar with me in Richmond? Christine and I even got meet Dan the baker so that was pretty cool! I also got to enjoy dinner at my very favorite restaurant in Columbus, Northstar Cafe. Their veggie burger is so amazing I can’t even explain it.

northstar veggie burger

It’s not easy staying healthy when I’m traveling but I’ve been trying to do a few small things to keep myself in check.

kale salad

I aim for a salad at every meal. As much as I adore sweet potato fries, I know I’ll still enjoy a veggie burger if it’s served with a side of greens. That’s what I had when I went to Northstar Cafe on Saturday and Max & Erma’s on Sunday. Both have awesome veggie burgers and the mixed greens on the side helped balance things out.

I’ve also been trying to walk as much as possible. I brought my pedometer with me and luckily my parents are both really into “getting in their steps”, too! We walked around the neighborhood when it was nice out and we walked around Target when it wasn’t. (It’s amazing how many steps you can get in at Target! Luckily, my small suitcase prevented me from making any impulse purchases.) I made sure I walked at least 10,000 steps every day. It’s not too hard to do if I keep track, but I do have to make a conscious effort!

I’ve been trying to choose water before snacks. It’s not an easy one because I naturally reach for a snack anytime I’m near the kitchen but I know that a lot of times I’m really just thirsty. I try to have water first and if I’m still hungry, then I’ll eat a little something.

I ate out a lot over the weekend but I tried to eat mostly healthy dishes (except for that spinach dip…) and on Sunday night I decided to do some cooking. I made roasted broccoli and a huge kale salad, pictured above. I really do love my vegetables and sometimes it’s just a matter of hitting the grocery store and restocking the fridge!

It’s been so much fun catching up with friends in Columbus! I’m headed to Nashville to work tomorrow so I’ll be attempting to stay healthy at GrowCo. Wish me luck!

Do you have any tips for traveling?

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