Eating Healthy on Vacation? It’s the time of year where the holidays are upon us which means that we are more likely to be traveling, visiting family, or just taking that much needed getaway from work. While it is very easy and very tempting to just go nuts when it comes to eating and splurging, there are some easy ways to make sure you don’t come home with loads of regret (or those extra lbs).
Tips for Eating Healthy on Vacation
If you have to splurge, share. It can be exciting to be in a new country or even just a new city and want to try the regional cuisine or just the hottest restaurant you’ve looked up on Yelp.
Being with family means being social and that often means you’ll be headed out to eat some nights.
While you should definitely go and enjoy the quality time together, it doesn’t mean you have to overindulge. If you want that crazy deconstructed s’mores dessert or that surf and turf burrito, go ahead and get it – but share!
Save half the calories by splitting and giving yourself a limit.
If no one wants to half with you, have the staff pack half in a to-go box so you aren’t tempted to finish the whole thing in one sitting.
Walk it off. One of the easiest things to do while you’re on vacation is to walk whenever and wherever you can (whether permitting of course). If you are exploring a new city, elect to go it on foot to see the neighborhood. You can explore nearby shops or nature while staying active and healthy in a new place.
See: 10 Tips for Smarter Snacking On-the-Go
If it happens to be too cold or hot to be outside, head for the nearest indoor mall and do some laps while you get some holiday shopping done. Extra points if you forego the use of elevators!
Don’t totally disrupt your routine. If you’ve established a morning workout routine or made some healthier changes to your diet, don’t throw it all out the window just because you’re on vacation.
There’s nothing stopping you from doing sit-ups and push-ups in your hotel room – or heading down to the hotel gym or pool first thing in the morning.
You may be out of our daily routine but you can easily swap those fries for veggies and drink plenty of water so that you know when you’re truly hungry as opposed to just dehydrated.
Hack your portions. At a family party with a huge potluck?
Grab the dessert plate that will force you to make some trade-offs and watch your portions. Headed somewhere fun and exotic? Limit yourself to just one “treat” per day so that you don’t overdo it.
If you know you’re going out to dinner, keep breakfast and lunch a healthier and lighter to even out your calorie intake.
Also, take advantage of the local produce – what better way to experience a new place than to visit the local farmer’s market?
Grab some fresh fruits and veggies to keep on you throughout the day. Smart snacking is still essential on vacation – especially if you know you’ll be out all day sightseeing or visiting relatives.