Nothing is worse than coming home from a fabulous vacation, standing on the scale, and seeing the evidence of being sedentary and all your excesses. Maintaining a balanced diet and workout routine while away from home can temper these issues, but it’s not always that straightforward. Here are some vacation tips on how to be healthy, no matter where or how you go.
At a theme park
Theme parks are infamous for having rows of carb-filled food. To work around this, have a healthy and filling meal before you leave home or your hotel. In addition, we know that theme park rides are fun, but standing in long queues can wreak havoc on your posture and skin. Remember to slather on sunscreen, wear a hat and lace up your most supportive, comfortable shoes.
On a cruise
Cruises are well known for their all-you-can-eat buffets. We recommend that you treat yourself, but in moderation. In addition, make sure to always visit the salad bar before you fill up the rest of your plate. Protein and vegetables will ensure that your body gets the nutrients and fiber it needs to keep the bloat at bay and stay confident. Remember that small behaviour changes can accumulate to larger impacts; when on a cruise, always bypass the elevator and opt for taking the stairs. You’ll typically find it takes the same amount of time.
On a plane
There’s no getting around long-haul flights when exploring far-flung destinations like the Sydney or Makgadikgadi Pans. While indulging in the free drinks on board is tempting, you’ll undoubtedly feel worse once you arrive. Instead, wait for the celebratory drinks once you land and drink water while in the air. If you do want an alcoholic beverage on your trip, try a hard seltzer. It’s a drink made with flavoured sparkling water and alcohol. These drinks contain fewer calories and a reduced chance of waking up with a hangover.
On a train trip
Whether it’s a short train trip to the next city or an odyssey aboard a luxurious train, it can be challenging to maintain a balanced lifestyle whilst in transit. Packing healthy snacks will help you stay satiated throughout your journey. In addition, remember to get up and walk around every hour.
On a road trip
Calories add up quickly when continuously diving into a packet of crisps. Carbonated drinks can also make you feel bloated and lethargic, so opt for flavoured water with a reusable straw for easy sipping. Rather than pushing through to your destination, give your body time to stretch and plan some stops where you can enjoy a short, scenic walk along the way.
At the beach
Days at the beach don’t have to mean sugary ice lollies and crisps. A bowl of pre-sliced fruit is just as satisfying and twice as hydrating. If you are travelling abroad, look out for exotic, seasonal fruit that is typically a fraction of the price of home. Watermelon is packed with nutrients and will keep you hydrated on scorching beach days.
Holidays are the ideal time to escape from your daily routine, but this can also negatively affect your health. However, with some forethought, you can continue to have a balanced lifestyle even on holiday.