Eating on Vacation

When you go on vacation or you are traveling for work, finding healthy options for meals and snacks can be challenging. And traveling in the car or by plane can interfere with your normal eating schedule. But you can still go on the road or vacation and not gain weight...you just have to plan ahead!!! It may take a little bit of time to research the hotels, restaurants, or local eateries, but it will save you calories and possibly pounds in the long run. Here are some tips to eating healthy and still enjoying yourself when you are out of town:

1. Bring snacks with you. You can take food through airport security and I highly encourage that you do so. Simple things like apples, bananas, trail mix, high fiber granola bars, and peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread are easy to carry and will prevent you from giving in to the Cinnabon at the airport! If you don't have the means or time to pack snacks, avoid the greasy restaurants and pastry places at the airport and look for fresh fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or deli sandwiches.

2. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This will help you to stay hydrated and decrease cravings for unhealthy foods that often accompany dehydration. You can take an empty water bottle through airport security and refill it at the water fountain once you get to your gate. No excuses!

3. Find time to exercise. When you are on vacation, you don't need to kill yourself in the gym. But you can find fun ways to burn calories, while enjoying the scenery and meeting the locals. Go hiking or bike riding. Instead of taking a cab to sightsee, try a walking tour. As a last resort, or if the weather is bad, you can always visit the hotel gym. But try planning at least one activity that will help you burn calories.

4. Don't overindulge! A lot of people use vacation as an excuse to let all their healthy eating and drinking habits just fly out the window. You can enjoy the local food and drinks and still relax without gaining weight. Try to eat healthy snacks in between high-calorie meals. If you have a frozen margarita (or two) every day at the pool, you are going to need to either go to the gym or avoid dessert that night to counterbalance that calorie intake. It's all about balance! But you can do it!

Believe it or not, you can enjoy your vacations without overdoing it on food and drinks. Keep these tips in mind on your next vacation and you might be pleasantly surprised!