Healthy Hacks for your Summer Vacation
With summer vacations in full-swing, I am often asked “How do I stay healthy on vacation?”
Without having to give up on every delicious meal or cocktail on vacation there are some easy healthy hacks you can use to find a healthy balance and avoid packing on the pounds.
ONE: Take healthy snacks with you
I like to take control of my food situation when I travel as much as I can, especially since airports can be a haven for junk food and sugary snacks.
Things like homemade cereal bars or muffins, instant oatmeal for hotel breakfast or muesli and nuts to nibble on.
I recently found these little green gems at Charlotte airport , providing a delicious savoury snack on the flight.
TWO: Watch your portions
When eating out at restaurants most of the time, the volume of food we eat on vacation can add up. Stick to a starter and main, or main and dessert – instead of all three. Ask for half portions if that’s on offer and opt for meals that have protein as the main star of the plate with local veggies.
THREE: Share desserts
You may be eating more desserts than usual but try not to make this an everyday occurrence.
Decide which sweet treats you really want to try, and if traveling with others, opt to split it. In fact, the first 3 bites are the tastiest, so that’s all you really need to satisfy your craving.
While in Vienna recently, my partner and I knew we couldn’t leave without trying their famous Appelstrudel. We researched the best cafes, ordered one to share, savoured it slowly, and satisfied our craving, without being stuffed.
Delicious!
FOUR: Get active every day
Make activity a daily part of your vacation. If you’re in the city, walk instead of cabbing. You’re much more likely to find fantastic hidden sights and you’ll get your step count in to burn some of those calories you’re eating and drinking.
Take the family on a biking tour to explore your surroundings, go for a swim in the pool – or even yoga in your hotel room. There are lots of options.
I’ve discovered a great app called FitOn which offers a variety of exercises of various lengths – for me a 10-minute core class in the morning plus walking around the city really helped balance my weight.
FIVE: Watch your cocktails
Many of us indulge more in cocktails when traveling, especially in the summer months.
What doesn’t say Summer Vacay more than an Aperol Spritz?
The problem is that many cocktails contain a lot of sugar, and since they’re delicious, they’re super easy to glug quite a few!
Try to alternate your drink with soda water and lime or coconut water, to reduce the sugar intake but still get that fruity cocktail feeling.
SIX: Stay hydrated
While we are on the subject of liquids…don’t forget to stay hydrated with water. Opt for bottled water if you’re in a country with poor water filtration to avoid any tummy bugs.
Stick mostly with still water and keep the bubbly for cocktails or meals, to reduce any bloating on your travels. If you’re out and about for the day, ensure you take enough water with you to stay hydrated, or take a refillable bottle from home before you leave.
SEVEN: Shop local
Aim to try local foods, including fish, meats, vegetables and fruit. This will increase the quality vitamins and minerals you’re getting, plus give your tastebuds a new treat. If you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, shop at local groceries stores or markets and cook from scratch for some meals. Aim to try stick to your usual eating habits as much as possible when away to maintain a healthy balance.
It’s important not to fret too much, you may gain a couple of pounds, but by switching out the ‘Go big or go home’ splurge mentality and adopting some easy-to-accommodate healthy eating hacks, you can have fun, enjoy your vacation and find that healthy balance.