7 Tips for Staying Healthy on Vacation

Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean eating healthy has to take a break as well. There are ways to find healthy and delicious options wherever you travel. Here are a few tips and prep ideas that will help you stay healthy while taking some well-deserved time off.

1. Minimize The Temptations

Call ahead to your hotel and ask them to remove the minibar. If the snacks are not there you will not be tempted to indulge. It will also make you want to bring or buy healthy snacks as well as it will help you venture off the hotel property and see more of the local spots.

2. Use the 3 Bite Rule

One of the best parts of vacationing is trying different types of local foods. When it comes to trying new foods that are not part of your nutritional plan stick to the 3 bite rule. This means that you can try 3 bites of anything; this will allow you to try new things and still feel satisfied.

3. Pack for the Plane

Airlines are not known for serving healthy or even tasty meals. And more and more airlines are no longer serving meals but selling snack packs that are not only expensive but also full of processed foods. Bring your own snacks from home or shop at the airport before boarding. Fruit and nuts are good portable options as well as beef jerky. Be sure to stay away from items that need to be refrigerated.

4. Stay Hydrated

Not only does dehydration cause headaches and low energy but it also causes you to want to reach for unhealthy snacks. The best way to avoid dehydration is to always be prepared by bringing your own water bottle. More and more airports have bottle filling stations after security.

5. Research Restaurants

With so many online resources like Yelp and Menu Pix, it has become easier to research restaurants before arriving at your vacation spot. Knowing what is available at your destination will not only help you to stay on track but it will also allow you to try local cuisine and enhance your vacation experience. It will also keep you from going to familiar fast-food restaurants or just walking into the first place that you see.

6. Share a Meal

Even after doing your research sometimes it is hard to determine what the portion size will be when visiting an unfamiliar restaurant. It is a good idea to start by ordering a half portion or share an entrée with your travel companion. If the plates are small then you can always or a little more plus sharing a meal will also allow you to try a wider variety of foods.

7. Move

Getting to your vacation spot can make it tough to get up and move around. If traveling by car, find places on your route to stop and take a walk, there might be sights along the way worth visiting. If traveling by plane, make sure to stretch your arms and do calf raises from your seat every hour. Once you are at your destination find walking tours rather than bus tours and opt to use the stairs rather than the elevator at your hotel.