It is your time to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate – that time of long sunny days, fun and happy nights, and well-deserved vacations!
While these breaks are something to long for, they can sometimes make you feel uneasy if you are trying to maintain or lose weight or eat healthy.
For many, they mean a disruption of their fitness routine since workouts are interrupted, and diets are paused, replaced by quick and easy meals.
But fortunately, while you do have to pause your progress to take some time off, you can still maintain your health and fitness during your vacation time this summer.
Read on to check out some tips to stay on a healthy eating routine while on vacation and enjoy yourself!
1-Pack your healthy pack
Before traveling to your favorite destination, prepare a small cooler with healthy foods.
Some ideas include bananas, apples, carrots, low-fat yogurt, dried fruits, and raw nuts.
Dietitians recommend that you get around five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, even during your vacation.
It will make meals more filling, provide enough fiber to keep your intestines regular, and keep your levels of antioxidants and vitamins high – hence you are less likely to get sick.
2-Think twice about that drive-thru
Drive-thru meals may seem like a practical time-saver, but most fast-food options can quickly sabotage your healthy routine.
But, if by chance you have to eat at a fast-food restaurant, go for healthier options, such as grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken, and add salads or sides that are not deep fried.
You can even use your healthy snack cooler as a side dish supplier!
3-Use walking as a weapon
Enjoy sightseeing all day, every day, as this will make you walk off any extra calories you might consume.
Many trips offer built-in chances for exercise: It may be a hike to explore the woods or a swim at a lake.
Cruises and resorts also include activities that require some physical exertion.
Try these out and get your heart rate pumping, since whatever the activity, it will burn off some of your vacation-eating calories.
Although you may not be able to hit the gym, simply moving around is good for your body.
4-Drink water
Vacations usually involve a lot of sugary sodas, juices, and for some, a lot of alcohol.
All these can mean a lot of calories with no nutritional value. While it is ok to indulge in a mixed drink or soda occasionally while relaxing, try to keep it at a minimum.
As an alternative, drink water. It will keep you refreshed, energized, and hydrated, so you can keep up with all the activities and travel vacations may bring.
If you can, fill your backpack, car, or hotel room with icy-cold H20 bottles. Keep water with you everywhere you go.
5-Hide the mini-bar key
That little fridge inside your hotel room is full of all sorts of temptations: from beverages to chocolate and candy. Hide the key. Your body will thank you, and so will your pocket.
6- Focus on the vacation experience
Dining out and discovering new cuisines and dishes will be part of any trip. Treat yourself here and there – you are on vacation, after all. But try not to make food the focus. Instead, make the experience a special occasion. That is what will be kept in your memory forever.
This summer, enjoy your vacation guilt-free! Use these guidelines to keep your well-being a top priority while still basking in the summer sun.
Do not hesitate to reach out for any tips or questions. At The Silhouette Clinic, we are always ready to guide you and provide customized counseling sessions to help you fulfill your goals towards a better you.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/vacation-eating
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/healthy-eating-travel-during-holidays#When-to-indulge