33/36 Three more days

Reporting got away from me since my last check in from Chiapas.  Clean eating upon reaching Merida also got away from me which was disheartening because I did so well while traveling.  I ate only what I planned to eat.  For the most part, I packed food and ate only when we had group meals included as a part of the trip. 

What did not get away was meditation and exercise.  I walked every day and did yoga stretches as well.  I have been to the pool since I returned.

I leave for the US on Sunday and am admittedly nervous as I had hoped to feel cleaner and stronger.  The schedule set forth by Central seems a little top-heavy with receptions, organized lunches and dinners.  Days begin at 8:00 and often run to 9:00 at night because of the aforementioned receptions. 

I have made some advance arrangements to take care of myself while traveling including a refrigerator in my hotel room in Pella and a swimming pool in the hotel in Rochester, NY.  Andrea has suggested swimming at the Y in Fort Dodge the weekend I am there.  Apparently the Y has open swim on Saturday and Sunday.  Big thumbs up for the FD Y!  I have asked Andrea to keep food things simple in FD...no turnovers, no candy, no cinnamon rolls, no eating out. 

I will have walking clothes and shoes when I can walk specifically for exercise and will also walk as much as I can while in Pella...to and from the hotel, criss-crossing campus.  We have asked for healthy snacks during our meetings, and I will make a grocery run prior to arriving in Pella.  Top of my list is Fage yogurt!  I may ask for a vegetarian option which usually means loaded with cheese in Pella.  Hmmmm....maybe gluten free would be the better option.  Flour is not my friend.  When there is time to slip away, I will slip away. 

Checking in will definitely help.  Just writing this and seeing what I have already put into place has also helped me to feel more confident going forward.  Plus I have Friday and Saturday to get in a few more days of clean living. 

Spring weather will also help.  It was already 80 degrees here at 6:00 this morning.

Any other suggestions? 

PS:  After posting this, I set up 13 posts to help track my progress while away, and I also contacted the catering office on campus to request gluten-free meals for those meals that will be under the catering office's control...an estimated 5!  I also confirmed the fresh fruit coffee break option.  Some meals will be eaten in the cafeteria which should actually be the least of my problems given the wide range of choices.  It is those already plated meals that are difficult.  Feeling stronger already.