It's vacation season! Vacations are a great chance to catch up with friends and family in a new city, or even just a great chance to get away from it all. But no matter where you're headed, vacationing is definitely a great time to relax, unwind and indulge. Whether you've been hard at work on your fitness goals all year long, or you just started your journey - an upcoming vacay can be a tempting time to jump ship from healthy eating for the land of over-indulge-me. But there's no reason why your wellness goals should be placed on the back burner. Check out our top tips to incorporate a little health & fitness into your travel plans this summer. If you find any of the tips helpful, be sure to LIKE or SHARE on Facebook or Twitter! Yay vacay! :)
1.) Prepare Ahead of Time:
As the expression goes, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Don't head out on vacation without a plan. Whether you're traveling by car or plane, have a plan for healthy snacking to avoid eating over-processed, high calorie junk food from gas stations and airport gift shops. And while you're at it, do a internet search on restaurants in the area of your destination to scout out menus ahead of time. A little research beforehand will help cut down on both the excitement, and the over-indulging that usually follows.
2.) Become a Swap Master:
What's summer vacation if you can't enjoy it? One of the tricks to staying on track, while still enjoying your favorite foods is to get rid of the extra calories in your favorite foods. Just by cutting a creamy, rich sauce, you can significantly cut the number of calories in a meal. Choose grilled over sautéed, baked over fried, order sauces on the side, and swap fresh or steamed veggies for fries and mashed potatoes to also help cut calories tremendously.
3.) Head to the Grocery Store:
There's nothing like enjoying a great meal on vacation, but who says you have to eat all of your meals out? Once you arrive to your destination, head to the closet grocery store. Not only are you likely to eat healthier, but you can also save a little cash - and we all know prices can add up on a getaway. Most hotel rooms and condos come with a fridge, so load up healthy snacks like oatmeal, fruits and simple sandwiches.
4.) Have a Workout Plan:
Creating a workout plan for vacation might not seem like the most fun idea, but it's really easy to do. Headed out for some sightseeing? Plan a walking itinerary. Book a hotel with a fitness center, or purchase a temporary pass at the local gym. If you can't get a hotel with a gym, you can always work out in your room with pushups, sit ups, yoga, etc. Or, lace up the kicks and explore the area with a run. The important thing is to have a schedule in mind, and stick to it.
5.) Stay Hydrated:
Even the slightest bit of dehydration can cause you to believe you need food, when in reality, all you need is just some nice, cool water. And there's nothing like extended periods in the summer sun to wipe you dry. Not only can water keep you hydrated, drinking water also helps boost your metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant. To stay hydrated on vacation, be sure to pack a reusable water bottle for the airport. Most terminals have water fountains, which can save you $5. And if drinking water is a chore, try adding a zero-calorie liquid water enhancer. Mmhh... Fun water?
As the expression goes, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Don't head out on vacation without a plan. Whether you're traveling by car or plane, have a plan for healthy snacking to avoid eating over-processed, high calorie junk food from gas stations and airport gift shops. And while you're at it, do a internet search on restaurants in the area of your destination to scout out menus ahead of time. A little research beforehand will help cut down on both the excitement, and the over-indulging that usually follows.
2.) Become a Swap Master:
What's summer vacation if you can't enjoy it? One of the tricks to staying on track, while still enjoying your favorite foods is to get rid of the extra calories in your favorite foods. Just by cutting a creamy, rich sauce, you can significantly cut the number of calories in a meal. Choose grilled over sautéed, baked over fried, order sauces on the side, and swap fresh or steamed veggies for fries and mashed potatoes to also help cut calories tremendously.
3.) Head to the Grocery Store:
There's nothing like enjoying a great meal on vacation, but who says you have to eat all of your meals out? Once you arrive to your destination, head to the closet grocery store. Not only are you likely to eat healthier, but you can also save a little cash - and we all know prices can add up on a getaway. Most hotel rooms and condos come with a fridge, so load up healthy snacks like oatmeal, fruits and simple sandwiches.
4.) Have a Workout Plan:
Creating a workout plan for vacation might not seem like the most fun idea, but it's really easy to do. Headed out for some sightseeing? Plan a walking itinerary. Book a hotel with a fitness center, or purchase a temporary pass at the local gym. If you can't get a hotel with a gym, you can always work out in your room with pushups, sit ups, yoga, etc. Or, lace up the kicks and explore the area with a run. The important thing is to have a schedule in mind, and stick to it.
5.) Stay Hydrated:
Even the slightest bit of dehydration can cause you to believe you need food, when in reality, all you need is just some nice, cool water. And there's nothing like extended periods in the summer sun to wipe you dry. Not only can water keep you hydrated, drinking water also helps boost your metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant. To stay hydrated on vacation, be sure to pack a reusable water bottle for the airport. Most terminals have water fountains, which can save you $5. And if drinking water is a chore, try adding a zero-calorie liquid water enhancer. Mmhh... Fun water?
You may also like: 3 Tips for Mindful Eating, Keeping Up with the Starlets or5 Tips for Camping Fitness.
