How to Stay Healthy on Vacation
By Sara Butler
If you’re planning a vacation this summer you’re probably really excited. Most people use vacation time as time away from their normal cares and responsibilities – it is a time to enjoy yourself, after all. With that mind frame, it can be very difficult to remain healthy and eat right when you’re on vacation. Here are a few tips that will keep you healthy but still allow you all the fun in the sun you want!
Have a Plan in Place
When you plan ahead it makes it easier to do the right thing, and this includes preparing and cooking meals. When you’re on vacation, if you can plan your meals out ahead of time you really should. This will save you time, allow you to relax and probably save some money too!
If you plan on eating out a lot, see if the restaurant has a menu online so you can look at options ahead of time and decide what would be the best dish for you. If you’re going to be staying somewhere with a kitchen, you should try pre-cooking your meals and taking them with you. This way, you just have to pop them in the oven and eat!
Pack Snacks
Whether you’re taking a plane, train or automobile, packing healthy snacks can be a lifesaver. If you’ve got a snack you can easily reach for, then you can reach for it when you’re hungry instead of buying that bag of chips at the gas station or airport gift shop. Having things on hand for breakfast is a good idea since most hotels only offer highly-processed food at their free breakfasts.
Try packing apples, bananas, trail mix, energy bars, and snack packs of peanut butter.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
You’re on vacation, so you don’t need to cut out every indulgence. All you need to do is set boundaries for yourself. Instead of indulging at every meal, try to have a little treat one meal a day. That way you can get what you want, but not go overboard.
Try Not to Stress
You have to remember you’re on vacation, so don’t drive yourself crazy trying to be perfect. If you fall off the proverbial eating healthy wagon tomorrow, is another day. Try not to beat yourself up for veering away from your plan, just try to roll with the punches and try better next time. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself!