Here’s how to stay slim on holiday…
What could be more awesome than taking a vacation? You get to travel abroad, take time off of work, and try new things. It’s such a great way to kick back and relax, something we all need after the stress of our busy lives. But, if you’ve been trying to lose weight, the last thing you want to do is set back all your efforts because you’re no longer keeping up with your diet! Here is how you can avoid the inevitable vacation weight gain:
- Plan a vacation that doesn’t revolve around food — So many of our vacation plans end up involving food in some way. Perhaps you wanted to try a specific food in the country you’re visiting, or your traveling to a city/town just so you can taste a world-famous food. If you go into vacation with that mindset, you’ll end up overeating. Plan a vacation that DOESN’T revolve around food, even if it’s at one of the best all-inclusive family resorts. Find activities that keep you away from restaurants, and you’ll save your waistline!
- Shrink your breakfast –– Most people go all out with lunch or dinner while on vacation, so you have to practice control at breakfast. Stick with healthy proteins (eggs, fish, ham, etc.), a serving or two of fruits and veggies, and a very small amount of whole carbs (brown bread, oats, etc.). Unless you’re going to be busy all day and won’t be able to eat until the late evening, have a small breakfast.
- Shop smart –– Instead of eating every meal out, why not pick up some groceries and keep them in your hotel room to cook? You can have at least one meal “in” every day, such as a light breakfast of cereal, yoghurt, and fruit. You’ll not only save your waistline, but you’ll do your wallet a favor as well!
READ MORE: The 7 Deadly Sins of Travel and Vacations
- Pack snacks –-No, that doesn’t mean to bring snacks from home, but it means pack snacks to bring with you as you lounge on the beach, hike up that mountain, or explore the city. Snacks will help to keep you from getting hungry, making it easier to go longer between meals. Stick with healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, Greek yoghurt, veggie sticks, and fruit. Try to keep the snacks small.
- Be more active –– This should go without saying! Some people go on vacation with the goal of doing nothing more than lounging around the pool or staying within ordering distance from a bar. This is the best way to come home a good few pounds heavier. Instead, get out of the hotel and away from the bars. Find activities that keep you moving all day long, or explore the city on foot. The more active you are, the easier it will be to avoid weight gain. You’ll be burning calories all day long, making up for that heavy breakfast or dinner you’re going to have.
- Watch out at the buffet –– Eating at the buffet is a great way to save money on meals, as you can load up on food early in the morning and stay full until the late evening. However, it’s very easy to over-eat at a buffet, and you may end up eating a lot of the wrong foods (pastries, pancakes, and other carbs). You’ll walk away from the buffet table feeling sluggish and in a mood to lounge–the worst thing you can do after a big meal! If you’re going to take part in the hotel breakfast or dinner buffet, be smart with your food choices. Load up on salads, fruit, and proteins, and limit your carb intake.
