How To: Be Healthy on Vacation

Hello Dolls!

One thing I absolutely love to do is going on vacation. I love the idea of going on an adventure some place I don't go to often and exploring. One of the things I love to explore is the food (of course who doesn't like food).

The problem with this is that I personally tend to get out of control with my food explorations because I'm under the mentality that "I'm on vacation so its ok to eat what I normally wouldn't". (This may work for some people, however this is always destructive for me personally because I try to stay on top of my diet and somewhat healthy lifestyle.)

Over the years of my travels I have learned how to enjoy my explorations of food with still maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

1) Eat Everything in Moderation

Yes, we have ALL heard this one before, but it is always easier said than done. There is always such good food that we want to try, but once we take one bite how can we not finish the rest?! Well, if you are traveling with multiple people my suggestion is to "split" the higher calorie item with them so that way you all get to try the delectable treat without feeling super guilty. Also it is important to remember to ask for a calorie count menu (if the restaurant has it) and to always try to pick the healthier option.

2) Don't Stop Moving!!

My mom went to Austria with my grandmother and aunt a few years ago and she came back home losing FIVE pounds!! I was in total shock of how she could lose weight on vacation. She told me she ate what ever she wanted with her group, but the rule was they walked almost everywhere they went. This is a difficult one because it is hard to walk everywhere if you are in a location that requires a lot of driving. So my suggestion is so move at any opportunity you are given and don't take any shortcuts! For example, if there is a gym at your hotel and you know you didn't move a lot during the day, then spend 30 minutes to an hour working out.

3) Plan Your Meals

This one is probably the most important , yet the most overlooked. One of the ways my mom lost five pounds on vacation is because her sister planned when they would eat their meals. They would have a very large breakfast in the morning, followed by a snack around lunchtime, and then an early dinner to finish it off, while walking around Vienna, Austria the entire day. This worked for them because they spent their time enjoying the vacation instead of mainly eating the trip. Food was looked as fuel to keep walking for them. Now if you're at an all-expense-paid vacation, such as a cruise, where there is a lot of food, you just have to go back to eating in moderation and not stopping your movements!

4) Track it!

I am a huge believer in tracking what you put into your body as well as tracking your activity throughout the day. I love my Fitbit Flex which helps me track everything from my food intake, step count, calories, miles, etc. However, I know not everybody wants to spend $100+ on a tracker because it can seem ridiculous. There are free apps in the app store such as Nike Running, My Fitness Pal, or Lose It! which are great free trackers to help to track activity and calorie intake.

There is nothing more basic than these four steps towards being healthy on your vacation, however, this does not make it any easier. It takes a lot of discipline to be healthy on vacation, but I know with these steps it can be made easier. Enjoy your vacations while being healthy...it actually is possible!!


XOXO,


The Californian Belle