I am currently on a much needed vacation and started thinking about how easy it is to be so unhealthy while travelling. Here you are, trying to do something good for yourself and take a break, but when you are done with your trip you have gained 5 pounds and feel like you have taken 5 steps backwards. It is doable to be healthy while traveling and enjoy your trip at the same time. Again, it all goes back to finding a balance. Moderation is the key. Savor your splurges without going too far off the deep end.
Here are some tips to make the most of your trip.
1. EXERCISE
Exercise is the best trick to keeping off the pounds while on holiday. When looking for a hotel, find one that has a fitness center in it. You would be suprised at how common it is and how many people take advantage of the facilities. This morning when I went to my hotel gym, all the machines were full! Whether its 10, 30 or 60 minutes, take some time for a some cardio and a quick weight circuit to keep the energy going, burn some calories and boost your confidence. Another option is to exercise throughout the day. Take a walking tour instead of a bus tour, go on a group hike rather than a boat ride, go on a bike tour rather than renting a car. These are all options to add activity to your day and still enjoying your travels. if your traveling partner is not supportive of these ideas, try to find a compromise. Wake up a little earlier so you can fit in a morning workout. At night when you normally watch tv, do some situps and push ups in your room. Make a compromise with you parter. Agree to go on a boat tour, if they agree to go a hike. They may be resistant to execise just because they have not incorporated healthy habits into their routine. Be a good role model and show them how fun exercise can be!
2. MEAL TIME
Plan ahead is your best bet. If you worried that you are going to eat out at every meal, bring some meals with you so you wont overeat at every meal. I bring cereal with me on every trip to I know I am getting my fiber in the morning and do not eat a uge breakfast. It feels a little weird a first but the waiters could care less and they know to bring me an empty bowl and a glass of milk! Bring some whole grain crackers, vars, nuts, cereal or other snacks so you can prevent overeating throughout the day. Also, think about your day and plan. If you know you are going to a fancy dinner, have a light lunch. If you know you are going to have a huge dessert two nights in row, save those as your dessert nights and dont have desserts on other nights. When ordering try to incorporate a vegetable into every meal. Instead of ordering three heavy things, choose a salad as the appetizer so you can enjoy your entree more.
3. DRINK WATER
Always remember to drink plenty of water while traveling. Planes can dehydrate you and it is easy to go a day without drinking when you left the hotel without a bottle. Find a grocery store to stock up if you are going to be in one hotel for a while. Keep a bottle in your backpack or purse so you can sip throughout the day. You will feel fuller so you may not snack so much and you will stay hydrated.
4. BE PROUD OF YOURSELF!
Realize that this is a great accomplishement. To resist temptation and make healthy habits part of your travelling routine may be tricky at first, but once you start you will notice how much better you feel at the end of each trip. Many people say after a trip, ” I need a vacation from my vacation!” You wont feel that way anymore. You will come energized from your healthy ways, confident from your commitment to health and enriched with new cultural experiences from your journey.
Just a few tips to make the most of your holiday.
Bon voyage!