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Stay Fit on Vacation!

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on May 13, 2014

Written by Jennifer Martin, Dietetic Student and Intern at University of Illinois at Chicago

Vacation is usually a time to relax and eat whatever you want. We all do it. If you don’t want to gain weight, though, it doesn’t feel good to come home with a few extra pounds on your figure. Here are some very easy ways to live it up while still making healthy decisions.

1. Start healthy at the airport. There usually aren’t many food options while you’re waiting at your gate, but you will probably see a McDonald’s or a restaurant with over-priced margaritas. If you have to eat before you fly, pick nutritious foods like fruit salads, yogurt, or whole-grain sandwiches. Remember that you may have to sit on a plane for a long time, and it’s not a fun place to feel sick after eating a large, fatty meal! You can also bring healthy snacks from home (the TSA won’t take that from you). If you’re driving to your destination, bring a cooler bag full of sandwiches, water, fruit and veggies, etc. You’ll save money by packing your own food.
2. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation, use it. You can save big bucks by shopping at local grocery stores and preparing your own food. If you don’t have a kitchen or just don’t feel like cooking, that’s okay too. Too Busy to Diet has a whole chapter on eating out.
3. Walk. Unless you have a lot to carry, are wearing foot-mangling shoes, or are not able to walk far, moving your feet is the best way to explore new places. Take the time to smell the air, explore local shops, and see everything with your own eyes. It’s one of the most fun ways to burn calories.
4. If you’re up for it, exercise. I would never tell anybody that they have to work out on vacation, but it’s a great way to stick to your active routine and stay fit. If the weather is nice, go for a run outside. If not, check out the hotel gym. If you know in advance that your accommodation doesn’t have a gym, pack some resistance bands and a travel yoga mat. If you have access to the internet, there are also plenty of fun and challenging workouts that you can do without any equipment (check out this post). If hotel workouts aren’t your thing, then just walk! Be sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes, though.

Read the book for more tips on vacationing in healthy style!