Travel & Food Question

Hey everyone! I'm going to Chattanooga for a business trip on Monday and was wondering what you all do for eating when you travel.  I know I'll be taking several bottles of AO with me...plus my power crunch bars (those are SO yummy!).  Suggestions on eating though or if you are from Chattanooga, is there any place that you recommend? Thanks! -Alyssa  

Hey girl! I've been missing you!! How long are you going to be gone? When I travel, I like to take protein sticks, or jerky with me. I get the ones from The Vitamin Shoppe. They have more protein and less fat than Slim Jim's and I think they taste better too. Don't forget your vitamins  or your water  and make sure to come back!  Is this trip a job interview? I know you had mentioned a possible position in Chattanooga.

Hi Susan! No, it's not a job interview but it is training for my new job as a quality assurance specialist.   My training is Tuesday and Wednesday but I'll be leaving Monday afternoon.  I'll be working out of Murfreesboro and I just started this week! So far so good, just pray that this one sticks.  Jerky? Is it beef jerky and do you find it at the Vitamin Shoppe? How does your stomach do with it, is it easy to digest? I was wanting to try jerky but I though that it would be hard on my stomach. 

The sticks I get at The Vitamin Shoppe look like a Slim Jim and have a very similar texture. At my local Shoppe, they are always near the register. They come in Original, Barbecue, and Teriyaki flavors. As for regular beef jerky, I started eating it just a couple of months post-op. I actually had to give it up when I got my braces and have just started eating it again. I love it because it gives you a lot of flavor and "chew" for very few calories and is a very good source of protein. My favorite brand is Jack Links. Just remember that you have to chew very thoroughly. One small bite lasts a LONG time! When hubby and I travel, one of our favorite places to stop is Arby's. If I'm by myself, I eat just the meat off of a Junior Roast Beef sandwich. Ordinarily, Bill will order a large sandwich and I will just eat some of the meat off of his sandwich. Also, Captain D's will sell you a single baked fish filet and a side of green beans if you ask.

Susan, these sound really good. I'll have to get me some this weekend.  I love bbq and teriaki flavors so this is right up my alley!

Where at in Chattanooga are you gonna be? I hardly ever eat out anymore. My daughter has to avoid MSG and it's precursors.....I do sometimes get the grilled chicken kids meal at Cracker Barrel but they can still get stuff greasy that's grilled. Sometimes I do mexican fajitas and just don't eat the tortillas. MY best advice get a to go box in the beginning and put up what you don't need to eat at that one sitting. Anyway we have almost anything on one end of town of the other. Beth B. in Chattanooga

Hey Beth!  I'll be in the Fairfield Inn on Shalloford Dr. I'll be there Monday and Tuesday.  Tuesday night I'm going to visit with my brother and his family since they live near there...I can't wait! I get to see my little niece!  -Alyssa

I have no input as far as what to eat but I just wanted to tell you to be safe out there while you are traveling. And don't spoil the baby too much (yea right)..haha. Have a great time!

Melissa

I do not know the area, but Ruby Tuesdays, has a wonderful grilled chicken breast for just $3.99 and it is wonderful, you may want to see if they have one close to where you will be, and the hotel may have a restraunt with a chef that will prepare something for you, most are willing to help out with dietary restrictions. Safe traveling and it was great to see you Tuesday night!! Shelia

Hi Alyssa, I have never been to Chattanooga, but I am traveling back and forth from Nashville to the Morristown area on the other side of Knoxville.  I recommend you take your own water if you are drinking it from the tap.  Water changes can really make you constipated when traveling.  I always take my own, even if it is Deer Park.  Then I don't have to worry or buy any while on the road.  I go to IHOP but because I can still only manage about 4 bites (I'll be 18 months old next week) I go for the cottage cheese and warm fruit of the day and still have too much left over.  Cracker Barrell will let you order a child's serving of food and will put what you don't eat in a container to take back to the hotel.  Ask the hotel if they have a small fridge and a microwave available.  That helps when you are in your room and want to warm something up.  Most motels will work with you especially if you need a fridge, like my mom as she's on insulin which have to be kept in a cooler.  That or take your own cooler, a one burner stove that you can plug in to warm up any food. I also take my electric skillet to warm things up when I have to travel.  As for food, when eating out, you know what you can handle, so eating out isn't a big problem.   I took am allergic to MSG, so I have to becareful eating even chinese food.  The only salad dressing I have found that does not have MSG is O'Charlie's at the grocery store.  Golden Correl is good and you can let them know up front that you have had stomach surgery and can only eat as a child.  I have a card from my hospital regarding my surgery and it only cost's me $3 for my dinner vs. $8.95 for an adult meal.  Then I just get a small spoon of what I like and no seconds.  Plus they have a lot of meats high in protein.   I wish you much joy on your travel and be safe then sorry later.  Love