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Today I have a guest post from Cole Millen from over at Cole’s Mill: Unique Thoughts and Perspectives about Health and Travel. It’s summer time, we all have vacations and stay-cations coming up. Sometimes planning your diet around travel can be difficult. Cole is going to give us some tips…
Keeping the Weight Off On Your Vacation
You’ve done it! You were so diligent these past few months, checking food labels, finding ways to fit exercise into your daily routine, refusing to lose sight of the goal. Keeping weight off and learning to fit your new lifestyle into your life is perhaps the only thing more rewarding then the initial weight loss. Fitting your new lifestyle into your vacation plans will show yourself that you can maintain your healthy habits long-term and will also prevent you from returning home too big to fit into your new clothes. Here are some tried-and-true tips for sticking to your guns while living it up on your vacation.
When departing for your trip make sure that you have eaten a filling and nutritious meal to prevent yourself from those desires to eat during travel. To fight cravings, make sure to bring along some healthy snacks that will keep you satisfied until you reach your destination. Items like dried fruit, nuts, or whole-wheat crackers will provide you with some valuable nutrients to keep your body running while traveling. Also, remember to remain hydrated!
Destination is usually the first part of your vacation to consider. Try to find active things to do in the area you will visit. If you are going to the mountains, find a guided hike to go on. Going to the beach? Try finding active things, like surfing, to do in the water as an alternative to simply laying out in the sun. Your hotel has a great role in your success. Search online to find a hotel that has a gym you can use free of charge. Consider taking the stairs to and from your room instead of the elevator. Finding a hotel that is close to areas of interest can encourage you to walk around the city and see the sights. Research your trip online and make a list of at least five things that your hotel has to offer your new lifestyle. Can’t find five? Then keep searching! I recently took a trip out west and found a great site that incorporated consumer reviews so that when I was searching for Las Vegas hotels I found a list of great spots with reviews regarding their amenities and services. It also provided reviews on restaurants in the area which made it easier than ever to plan out my meals to ensure healthy eating as well. Finding a destination and hotel that will work for you is invaluable on your quest to keep the pounds off.
Eating out is a major part of vacationing because you can’t prepare meals in your hotel room…. or can you? Bringing a small slow cooker to prepare lean cuts of chicken for dinner can reduce the number of meals that you eat out and will keep you on track with your healthy eating. If your hotel offers continental breakfast then take advantage and eat all of the fruit and whole grains that you want. They will fill you with fiber and keep you fuller longer. If breakfast is not offered at your hotel then make a quick stop at a local market and stock up on instant oatmeal. Run plain water through the in-room coffee pot and use it to prepare your oatmeal. Yogurt and fruit will also keep in your hotel room and are good breakfast and snack foods.
When eating at a restaurant, pay close attention. Refusing the bread or chips on the table can save you unwanted carbohydrates. Previewing the menu online is a good way to become familiar with healthy menu choices. Stick with lean meats that are broiled or baked and eat lots of veggies. Sauces and dressings are often loaded with hidden fat, sugar, and calories so eat these with caution.
By doing a little detective work and having a game plan, you can keep the weight off on your vacation!
Thanks Cole for your perspective! I travel a lot for work, so these tips will be well taken! What do you do to stay focused on vacation? Anyone have a big trip planned?
