People always ask me what I do when I go to an unfamiliar place and can’t controlmy meals. First, I hate to think of it as “control,” even though I know that’s what itseems like. My biggest tool is just preparing, both mentally and sometimes flling upmy bag with goodies.Earlier this week I was invited to the Monday nightGiants game, my first this year!It was really fun and I had a great time (even though the team played terribly). Thedifficult thing though…what was I going to have fordinner. I was lucky enough to bein a suite so all of the food was provided for me.When we arrived the food was setup and ready to go and I was ready to eat. But I quickly noticed it was mostly friedfinger foods, corned beef and turkey sandwiches anda salad consisting of lettuce,tomatoes, olives, cucumbers and croutons. In the hot bar section they did havesautéed mushrooms so I put those atop my salad andused minimal dressing. Whilethere was no protein per se, I was satisfied and wasn’t hungry the rest of the night.The kettle potato chips that seemed homemade (but could they really be?) alsohelped keep me full! I mean, I had to indulge a little!Usually, no matter where you are, you will find a salad option of some kind. While itmay not be gourmet or even what you’re craving or hoping for, it should do thetrick. Make sure to drink enough water before and after to help keep you full as well.Water is a great tool to help you realize if you’reactually still hungry or just smellingfoods that are making you think you’re hungry. If you feel yourself succumbing tothe fried foods, just think about how you will feel afterward. Will it be worth it?Sometimes the answer will be yes! But most of the time, it won’t be.This isn’t will power; it’s just a mindset change.After my salad and some chips, I satoutside and enjoyed the rest of the game and didn’tthink about food at all. Youcando this; it just takes a little bit of strategy when you getsomewhere. Of course youcould always pack some nuts or Lara Bars (my favorite) with you so you’re nevertotally stuck if nothing is speaking to you. I always carry snacks with me; it must besomething I learned from my grandma!