It’s easy to get sidetracked when you go on vacation, more than likely you are staying at a hotel/resort that offers room service and buffet meals. Most people think of vacations as an excuse to eat poorly. The average person gains between 5-10 pounds during vacation.
This can be easily avoided if you take a proactive approach to your eating. Here are six tips to help you stay on track:
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Check out the menu at the hotel. Call ahead and ask for restaurant recommendations, then go check out their menu. Find out which foods are served daily that you can incorporate into your diet, which foods the restaurant will modify for you and what foods you’ll want to bring with you (if any). All of this can be done online and AHEAD of time. Don’t wait until you get there (especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions). You don’t want to get “stuck” eating “crap” because of lack of options.
Tip: If you are on a flight which serves meals, call ahead for the menu, review and bring your own food if needed.
2. MAKE A PLAN
Once you get to your location and see your food options in person, review and develop an eating plan. After figuring out what you want to eat (or don’t want to eat) try to figure out when you’ll eat. Lot’s of times we are so busy sight seeing that we go long periods of time between meals. Don’t let yourself get too hungry, nothing will ruin your healthy eating intentions while traveling faster than this. Eat every few hours (5-6x a day) just like you would at home.
3. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD
Pack your own meals (if you are flying check with the TSA first for any restrictions). This provides you with an alternative to eating the expensive and typically unhealthy prepared meals offered
4. DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST
Don’t forget to eat breakfast. Breakfast helps prime your system and prepares you for a full day of activities, and holds you over until lunch time. Most hotels/resorts offer complimentary breakfasts. Choose wisely (a high fiber and protein meal, such as whole grain toast with peanut butter) don’t give in to the “buffet”
5. DON’T GIVE IN TO PRESSURE
Mini Bars, Hotel Lounges and Tourist areas are usually to go to place for pre-processed, fried and empty calorie laden foods. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them at all cost. Allow yourself 1 Treat per day. After all you are on vacation. Like I always say balance and moderation are key.
6. STAY HYDRATED
It is important to stay hydrated while traveling, which is especially important on long flights. Not only can dehydration can lead to headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, and reduced concentration, it can also cause you to think that you are HUNGRY
Also limit your Alcohol intake, especially during the day, besides being full of empty calories, alcohol can cause dehydration. (see above)
Happy Travels!
