Avoiding Weight Gain During Vacation
Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and many people have vacations planned. Vacations are a great way to spend time with family and friends but unfortunately with most vacations it’s all too easy to abandon everything we know about eating healthy. During vacation we can make poor food choices and/or decisions that ultimately result in weight gain. In order to prevent weight gain during vacation here are few suggestions that can help you stay on track.
Plan Ahead to Fit in Fitness: Vacations should be an opportunity to re-energize, refresh, and relax, not an excuse to take a break from health. When planning your vacation, opt for locations that will allow you to engage in physical activities you enjoy. Keep in mind that physical activity is key to enjoying those extra calories in order to avoid possible weight gain. If running is not your style, consider places where you can take walks or hikes, ride bikes, swim, do water sports, or use the hotel tennis courts or gym.
Be Prepared: When you travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile, be prepared with healthy food options so you won’t have to eat whatever is available. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast (eggs, yogurt, protein shake) then pack easy, healthy, and satisfying snacks or a small nutritious meal.
Avoid Dining-Out if possible: Eating out may pose the biggest challenge for avoiding vacation weight gain. At home, you know exactly what goes into the food you prepare. But in restaurants, it can be a mystery, and the only way to be sure it is prepared in a healthy manner is to ask questions and make special requests. The key if dining out is to order simple prepared foods, such as baked, broiled, or grilled meats/fish, stay away from fried, crispy, or creamy foods; hold/avoid the extras such as cheese, mayo, or dressings. Another strategy is to rent a house equipped with a kitchen or at least a barbeque grill and access to a grocery store so you can prepare your own healthy foods and snacks.
Indulge in Moderation: If you must indulge on vacation do so in moderation. Moderation is key when it comes to controlling calories from treats and alcohol. When you drink alcohol, the calories add up fast, especially if you are downing those fancy drinks that come with an umbrellas. So make a plan for when you’ll drink alcoholic beverages and how much you will consume and always remember moderation.
Portion Control: Enjoy small portions, eat slowly so you taste the food and feel a sense of satisfaction. Don’t go back for seconds and keep in mind that lingering around the table can lead to overeating therefore try moving the gathering away from the dining area to a porch, balcony or another location where you can enjoy the beauty of your vacation destination and not be tempted to make poor food choices.
I hope that everyone has an enjoyable summer and if you have an upcoming vacation planned please follow these tips to avoid any unnecessary weight gain.
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