Your vacation doesn’t have to ruin your diet
Brittany Newton
| 3 min read
Vacations are the highlight of most summers. As the summer months approach, we get ready to bathe in the sun, take a refreshing dip in the pool and anticipate taking a well-deserved vacation. When going out to eat on vacation, the last thing you want to think about is eating healthy. The phrase, “eating healthy”, has earned a negative reputation and is, normally not, something to look forward to on vacation. However, there are simple guidelines to follow that will keep you on your healthy eating track when you’re having fun in the sun.
Grab water – The sun drains our energy and requires us to drink more water but, when on vacation, unhealthy drinking options are usually more accessible than water. Instead of reaching for the fruity flavored drink, grab a bottle of water. The absence of calories and sugars will keep your body hydrated and ready for the sun.
Eat breakfast – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make sure to eat breakfast even when you have the opportunity to sleep in and relax. Eating breakfast fuels your body and prepares you for an active day. People who skip breakfast are more likely to overeat during their next meal or snack on high-calories snacks, leading to unhealthy eating choices.
Ask for fruit – When eating at new places, see if they offer seasonal fresh fruit. Depending on where you travel, there may be unique fruits that grow in the area. Take an opportunity to try something new and strive to meet the required amount of fruit intake per day.
Avoid fast food – Vacation can be expensive no matter where you go, this can cause us to make poor eating choices in an attempt to save money. Try to avoid the temptation of burgers and fries as much as possible. If needed, pack some extra healthy food from home to keep in your hotel refrigerator, to avoid late night snacking.
Enjoy leftovers – More often than not, restaurants serve more than the average meal size. The meal starts with table munchies, the entree, and then dessert. Instead of finishing all of your food in one sitting, eat half and save the rest for later. Controlling your portion size is a great way to maintain your healthy eating habits.
Take a step out of your comfort zone – If you’re on vacation, try something new! There are large varieties of cuisines available to you, instead of ordering a meal you’re used to at home, think outside the box and try something you’ve never had. You may develop a taste for something that seemed undesirable before.
Eating healthy does not have to be difficult, it can be fun, and well-worth it. These are just a few healthy eating tips you can use during a vacation. So challenge yourself to maintain your healthy lifestyle while on vacation, and you will come back feeling rejuvenated!
Photo credit: Phil Price
