Keep Your Vacation Healthy With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
Whether you want to take a quick vacation before school starts or are just ready to leave the house, a trip can be just what you need to recharge. It is easy to follow an eating schedule and other healthy habits when you have access to your own kitchen and exercise equipment. However, your vacation plans might make you wonder if you can actually keep up your healthy lifestyle.
In addition to a mental boost, a vacation can often be a perfect opportunity to strengthen healthy habits or start some new ones. Read on to find out how.
Follow an Eating Schedule
Vacation often means random schedules and last-minute changes. However, skipping meals and not having adequate snacks can be detrimental to healthy habits. Not eating can lead to overeating and crankiness from hunger.
Try to eat every 3-4 hours. Find restaurants on your trip that will allow you to stop and refuel. If this is not an option, pack snacks such as squeezable nut butter packets and granola bars. When you reach your final destination, make a trip to the grocery store for quick items such as yogurt and string cheese. Whether you are on vacation or at home, you can always choose precut fruit and veggies to save time.
Hydrate
You can sometimes mistake hydration cues for hunger. It is important to drink enough water, especially if you are traveling in a warmer climate. Dehydration can lead to headaches and fatigue.
If you fly, take a big bottle of water with you. Flying can be dehydrating. Stock a cooler with plenty of water for road trips. Invest in a water bottle you can keep filled. You can pour the contents from a plastic bottle into your own bottle, which is usually more insolated and will keep the water cool longer.
Move
Even if you can't follow your regular exercise routine, vacation creates many movement opportunities. Find a new hiking trail to explore. Swim regularly in your hotel pool or at the beach. Plan a self-guided tour to explore a new attraction.
Relax
Vacation gives us many things to do in a certain time period. However, rest and relaxation should be an important part of your vacation. Let yourself enjoy an extra hour of sleep when you have no deadlines or meetings. Rest can also help your body recover from hard workouts.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Ohio.