Everyone needs a vacation, from the crazy workload, hectic life schedules, and sometimes we just need to take a breath and rejuvenate. This brings up the issue of how do I stay eating healthy? On vacation, we often eat out more and have put aside money for this into our travel budget. Below are some tips to help you not feel guilty after a nice long vacation.
- Plan- Having a plan for where you will eat on vacation, will keep you from stopping at unnecessary places where you might be potentially tempted to buy more food. Plan your trip out as detailed as possible, look at local places you want to try, grocery stores, convenience stores ect. If taking a flight think of convenience stores you might go to while waiting for your flight. If driving to your destination look at the rest stops or towns along the way you can stop at, try, and plan these out before you start driving. Obviously, cases arise where you may need to take another stop, but if you plan where you eat at you won’t have to get food at every place. Try to pick a place that offers some healthy options, like a grilled chicken sandwich, salads, or other healthy foods.
- Meal Prep- Prepping meals ahead of time can be a time and money saver. See if there is a grocery store in the area you are staying at. A lot of hotels will have mini fridges in them, use these to your advantage. Buy some produce/ meats/ bread (preferably whole grain) this way you can make salads or sandwiches. Buy some trail mix, protein bars, for snacks this will give you something to eat throughout the day. Also, take advantage of your hotel's continental breakfast if offered. This will provide “free” food and typically will have options like scrambled eggs and oatmeal.
- Hydrate- One key thing people need to remember is to hydrate. A lot of times we will have these food cravings but can often be helped with drinking 8 oz of water. Try to hydrate every hour or so if you’re not busy, but if walking around try to consume every 20-30 min.
- Stick to your budget- Your budget is there for a reason, if you think you’ll go to an expensive restaurant or so plan that in your budget. The reason it is so important to stick to your budget is once you go over your budget you may find it easier to buy more food than originally planned.
- Enjoy-Remember, you are on vacation, enjoy! If you’re in an area or restaurant known for a certain food, dessert, or cocktail have at it!! Having a special couple of meals while you on vacation won’t kill you. You’re on vacation for a reason, relax, unwind!! Do not get worked up if you put on a few pounds, one week of a little unhealthier eating will not end things if you are consistent for the other 50 weeks! Remember If you do order desserts, cocktails, or a special food try to order the smaller portion this will help save calories.
