How to Stay Healthy While on the Go
By Genevieve Cunningham
Traveling is fun at any time of year. Whether it’s a spring break getaway, a summer vacation with the family, or the nonstop going of the holiday season, traveling is both a ton of fun and a lot of work. It’s also really hard on the body. When we travel, we break our normal routines -- we skip workouts, alter meals, and do more sitting and waiting. It’s not unheard of to come back from a trip with a few extra pounds. So with the holiday travel season before us, how can we avoid this fate? If you’re interested in staying healthy while on the go, take a look at these tips to get you ready.
Plan Meals and Snacks Ahead of Time
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You’ve heard this before. This sentiment is definitely true when it comes to your diet while traveling. Without any preparation, you’re likely to swing through multiple drive-thrus, grab for calorie packed snacks, and drink plenty of caffeinated beverages. But with a little planning, you can have easy meals prepared, healthy snacks available, and water on the ready at all times. Whether you’re traveling across the state or across the country, getting your food prepared is a great way to keep your health intact.
Make Time for Exercise
Your fitness routine will probably take a hit while you travel, but there are almost always opportunities to work out just a little. Get creative if need be. Take five minutes to get in some jumping jacks or squats. Use your hotel’s workout room. Staying with relatives? Ask for directions to the nearest park or take a walk around the block. It might not be easy, but it’s possible to sneak in some exercise if you’re willing to make it a priority.
Adjust Your Water and Calorie Intake
Traveling really takes it out of you. In order to keep your health in tip-top shape, make sure that you have adjusted how much water you’re drinking and how many calories you’re taking in. You probably need more water to keep you hydrated and your energy levels up, but you might need fewer calories because of the lack of activity. Pay attention to your body’s needs, and you’re far more likely to keep your body in good shape while you’re gone.
Being busy and traveling can both be good things. But if you’re not careful, living life on the go can be hard on your body. Use these tips to protect yourself and your health. With just a little preparation, you can have fun on your trip and still come back with solid health and the same body you left with.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Folsom, Calif.