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| Friday, May 29, 2009 |
| Eating Healthy on Vacation |
I went on a short vacation with my family last weekend. We did a lot of physical activities like swimming, golfing and boogie boarding, but when it was over, I still felt like I had gained 5 pounds. The good news is I only gained 2 and have lost them already, but it left me wondering why I go so far off of my usual healthy diet while on vacation. I’m assuming most people do the same thing because everyone I was with did the same thing! My next vacation is in August and I am planning on making that one a little healthier. Here’s my plan.
- On The Plane. I usually do well on planes. They don’t serve meals anymore and I usually don’t eat their snack. I pack my own healthy snack such as dried fruit and nuts, light popcorn or an apple. I always buy a few bottles of water before I get on the plane. Buy more than one because you may be delayed on the runway or circling an airport. Flying can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water.
- Driving. Eat before you travel by car. If I’m feeling hungry on a long car trip, it’s an excuse to stop and get something unhealthy. Next time, I will eat a good meal before my trip and pack a few light snacks. Again, I always pack water because you never know when you might get stuck in traffic.
- At The Hotel. Don’t open the mini bar. It’s overpriced and usually has nothing healthy in it. You can use room service but order something that you know is healthy such as fruit and eggs for breakfast or a grilled chicken salad for lunch. I need to stay away from the French fries, chips, etc. on my next vacation. I don’t eat much of these on a regular basis so the temptation is there especially if everyone else is eating them.
- Cocktails. I do like a refreshing cocktail on vacation. However, many of my favorites are super high in calories and sugar! A frozen pina colada can have more calories than a whole meal. A better idea is to stick with a light beer or 1 oz of liquor mixed with a diet soda or tonic/seltzer. Try some mint or lime to give your drink a more refreshing feel. No frozen drinks for me next time!
- Eat When Hungry. This sounds simple enough but I always find myself munching on something on vacation. On the beach, someone always brings chips or cookies or goes to get ice cream. I usually accept and eat these treats, but I’m almost never hungry. Next time I will refuse unless I’m really hungry. Of course I will have to have my water handy to help keep hydrated and someone recommended chewing gum while everyone else is snacking so you aren’t tempted.
- Limit “I’m on vacation foods”. Whenever someone offers me a high calorie, high fat dessert while on vacation, I accept. I always justify it by saying “I’m on vacation.” Next time I need to limit the extras like desserts and appetizers. If you can cut out those, you can order something you really like from the menu and even enjoy that light beer.
- Stay Active. This one is easy for me because I enjoy being active. If you are more interested in a relaxing, lie on the beach type of vacation, try just taking short walks a few times each day. The idea is to just burn off the extra food you are taking in.
Armed with my new plan, I can’t wait for my next vacation. Hopefully you can use some of these strategies on your next vacation. Have fun and stay healthy!
- Jennifer
Labels: healthy eating, healthy tips, Jennifer
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, May 29, 2009   |
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| 3 Comments: |
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Good tips. Vacations really side track people! I tend not to off track too much usually because I am in a warm weather place with "showing the bod" involved... BUT, I just don't like how I feel when I eat to crazy. I plan for what I might treat on & eat healthy the rest of the time. I also stay active. So, I don't totally stick to my food plan but close to it & for me, I feel better this way. Like you, I take food on the plane, in the car etc.!
I am sure your tips will help people
.
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I have a 'one a day' rule when I'm on vacation, meaning one splurge a day from my normal eating pattern, as long as I'm getting good exercise minutes in. The splurge might be something as simple as a hamburger bun or as out there as a big (and I do mean BIG) piece of carrot cake. The idea is that it allows me to have a vacation mentality while preventing a complete free-for-all. It seems to have worked well on my past two trips, but when it doesn't work, I'll tweak it a bit. :)
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Oh the dreaded vacation eating. Thanks for the great tips. I will need it when I go to Italy for 2 weeks with my mom in Sept. I usually work out on vacation but with none of the hotels have gyms, I will have to be extra careful with the food.
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Good tips. Vacations really side track people! I tend not to off track too much usually because I am in a warm weather place with "showing the bod" involved... BUT, I just don't like how I feel when I eat to crazy. I plan for what I might treat on & eat healthy the rest of the time. I also stay active. So, I don't totally stick to my food plan but close to it & for me, I feel better this way. Like you, I take food on the plane, in the car etc.!
I am sure your tips will help people
.