5 Tips for Staying Healthy While on Vacation

Going away on vacation does not mean taking a vacation from your healthy lifestyle.

We’ve all been there, done that. When you’re not in the luxury of your own kitchen, it’s very easy to slip up and eat foods that you normally would not choose if you were home. Now it’s okay to have a treat, but that does not mean every single meal.

Since I’m currently away on vacation, I thought it was the perfect time to share with you some tips and tricks that I use to stay healthy and active, but also enjoy myself.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE ON VACATION

#1: BE ACTIVE.

Plan out some fun activities to do. There are endless things you can do – go to the beach or park, take a nature walk/hike, rent kayaks, bike, go for a run. If you’re on a cruise ship – take advantage of the gym, outdoor track, and pool. Don’t forget to plan excursions for when your at your destination.

#2: GET THE DRESSING “ON THE SIDE”

There is always at least a few healthy options to choose from when ordering out. If you get a salad, make sure to ask for the dressing “on the side.” If there is an entree that has gravy or sauce, ask them to put that on the side as well. A lot of the dressings, sauces, gravies, and oils are high in calorie, sodium and fat. When you ask for the steamed vegetables or baked potato “just plain” with the butter on the side, you are able to control how much you use and most times you will use less. However, sometimes it isn’t easy to find something healthy and that’s totally fine – you’re on vacation, and it’s okay to live a little. If you’re at an italian restaurant, order the delicious eggplant parmesan. But remember, a lot of the times the portions are huge – so it’s best to eat until you are satisfied and wrap up the rest for later.

#3: DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS.

And no, I do not meal alcoholic beverages. Although, it’s definitely fine to treat yourself to a Bloody Mary while you’re on vacation at the beach. Just don’t overdo it. No, what I mean is…drink plenty of water. HYDRATE! Especially when you’re in the heat, you are losing more fluids than usual. Proper hydration is important for good health. A good indicator of hydration is checking your urine color. If you’re urine is dark yellow than you are very dehydrated. Make sure to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go, and re-fill it up as needed. If you do not like the taste of plain water, add some fresh squeezed lemon or lime to your drink. It’s very important to hydrate before, during and after being active. When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Many times when you think you are hungry, you are actually thirsty. Drinking water can help contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan.

#4: BUY YOU’RE OWN FOOD

If you have access to a kitchen, then buy you’re own food. I’m currently on vacation at my beach house, so we bought some staples to have at the house including fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks. Most of our breakfasts have been eaten here, so we bought fresh fruit, instant oatmeal, english muffins, eggs, yogurt, and almond milk. We also usually buy our lunches at the supermarket which includes fresh romaine lettuce, and vegetables for salads, and pre-maid heroes for my dad. I also brought with me a few of my own favorite protein bars, and snacks from home to munch on. If you’re staying at a hotel, and you have access to a fridge or microwave then take advantage of it! However, sometimes you do not have access to a kitchen or microwave while on vacation so you just need to be wise with food options while eating out, and pack healthy snacks (fresh fruit, granola bars, nuts, raisins, etc.).

#5: RELAX

Most important tip – enjoy yourself! Do not stress about weight while on vacation. You are on vacation and you are allowed to enjoy yourself. So for one week, you had a little bit of fun drinking an extra beer at night. Or you treated yourself to dessert at your favorite ice cream parlor by the beach. THAT’S OKAY. You’re on vacation for only a few days or maybe a week. You will get back on track when you are home for the rest of the 357 days of the year. Ditch the scale – live a little! Gaining 5 pounds while on vacation is not the end of the world. It’s easy to shed the pounds when you get back into your normal routine.