And whether you’re traveling to an exotic location, heading up north to enjoy some pure Michigan paradise or even taking a staycation, maintaining your healthy routine can be challenging.
Vacations are a great way to refresh and recharge. Your body and mind need that. But amidst the relaxation, many of us tend to lounge around and eat less-than-healthy food. That’s not a great combo when trying to stay on track with your health and wellness goals. So how do you avoid packing on extra baggage while on vacation?
Here are five tips and tricks to help you stay healthy on vacation:
Snack Smart
Snacks can contribute to extra calories. For the journey, it is wise to pack a few healthy snacks in your luggage. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by plane or on the road, having non-perishable snacks such as protein bars and dry fruit can help you resist the temptation to reach for fast food or salt-ridden potato chips.
Since you’ll likely have extra time during your vacation, you might find yourself reaching for a snack when you’re not actually hungry. Try to avoid mindless eating.
Take Advantage of Hotel Facilities
Maintaining some form of physical activity is key. You won’t have to worry about equipment if you choose to stay at a hotel with an exercise facility. Most gyms have extended hours and some are even open 24 hours for those that are out all day exploring. Don’t want to spend your vacation at the gym? Ask about local running trails or fitness classes that are being offered. And don’t forget about the pool! Swimming is a great workout when you do consistent laps or water aerobics.
Even if you don’t have access to a gym or equipment, you can still get a great workout in by trying these bodyweight exercises. And since you’re not confined and can do these exercises anywhere, you can take in the beautiful scenery while getting your heart pumping.
Cocktail or Dessert – Not Both
Drinks and desserts are something many of us look forward to while on vacation. Although these are indulgences, a good practice is to only choose one. Think of these as a special treat to accompany your lunch or dinner. With the average piǹa colada drink at 170 calories and the average slice of cake at 235 calories, it’s all too easy to get off track. Don’t feel like you have to give up things you enjoy while on vacation, but as the saying goes, everything in moderation.
Active Recreation
For most, it’s often hard to get a formal workout in while on vacation. Activities such as excursions, hiking or biking are great ways to sightsee, but also allow you to remain active. Even if your vacation is centered around the water and includes little exploring, you can burn calories by swimming, playing beach volleyball or frisbee and taking a daily beach stroll.
Book a Hotel with a Kitchenette
If you have your own kitchen, it’s much easier to control your portions and choose healthier options. A great example is breakfast – the most important meal of the day. You can prepare a healthy breakfast rather than indulging in the hotel buffet. Having a kitchenette can also be beneficial from a snack standpoint. Instead of relying on packaged food to tide you over to your next meal, you can enjoy fresh food such as fruit, vegetables, hummus or lunch meat.
By following these tips and tricks, you can maintain your health while recharging your batteries on vacation. After all, you don’t want to undo all the hard work you’ve put into your healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits and lethargic lounging are all too easy to get used to and can carry over into your everyday lifestyle so it’s best to keep the balance. And if you do get off track during vacation or at any point during your routine, it happens. Stay determined and find a way to motivate yourself to get back at it.
