You’re certainly concerned that your months-long attempts to get rid of those unwanted pounds will be for naught once you head off on vacation. Or, you’re on a trip, and healthy eating is the last thing on your mind because all you can think about is trying the local cuisine.
When it comes to vacationing and food, most people tend to let loose and indulge. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Bingeing every once in a while is part of living and enjoying life. The key is not to make it a habit.
But what if we tell you that you can enjoy all your favorite vacation foods without sabotaging your healthy eating habits? Sounds too good to be true?
Read on to find out how!
Choose Water Over Alcohol
We know, we know. A vacation is incomplete without a few rounds of drinks by the pool. But did you know that alcohol is loaded with empty calories? Not to mention, it can also dehydrate you and make you feel tired.
So, instead of reaching for that mojito, order a tall glass of iced water with lemon. It’s hydrating and aids in digestion, which gives your metabolism a boost.
Avoid the Mini-Bar
Is that mini-bar in your luxurious hotel room your favorite amenity? We don’t blame you. The array of tempting goodies is enough to make anyone forget their diet.
But resist the urge to raid the mini-bar whenever you feel peckish. Those tiny chocolate bars and packets of chips may seem harmless, but they can quickly add up.
Instead, ask the hotel staff for some healthy snacks that you can munch on. Most hotels are happy to oblige. If not, stop by a local grocery store and stock up on some healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and seeds. This way, you can satisfy your hunger pangs without overindulging.
Prepare Your Meals
When you’re on vacation, trying the local cuisine is a must. But, that doesn’t mean you should eat out all the time. Restaurants use lots of oil, butter, and sugar in their dishes, which can quickly make you feel bloated!
Instead of trying every restaurant on the block, try cooking some meals in your condo or vacation rental. This way, you can monitor what goes into your food and make healthier choices.
If even the idea of cooking on vacation sounds like a nightmare, look for restaurants that serve healthy meals. Most cities have at least a few health-conscious eateries that you can choose from.
Don’t Miss Your Breakfast
The lush buffet spread at the hotel restaurant may make you want to skip breakfast and head straight for lunch. But that’s a huge mistake!
Skipping breakfast might cause you to overeat later in the day. So, make sure to start your day with a nutritious breakfast that will give you all the energy to explore your vacation destination.
If you’re not a fan of the hotel breakfast (you can’t be serious), look for a local café that serves healthy breakfast options. You’ll meet a few locals, make new friends, and taste the best breakfast in town!
Splurge Once in a While
Cheesy pizza, ahoy! Regardless of how hard you try, it’s impossible to resist temptation all the time. And that’s okay! You’re on vacation, after all. So, go forth and indulge in your favorite foods every once in a while. Just make sure not to overdo it. Remember, moderation is key!
And once you’re done and dusted with that generous serving of meatballs on a layer of pasta topped with strip after strip of cheese, you can always hit the gym, take a hike, or dive in the pool to make up for it.
Make Better Choices
You do know you can relish the fancy restaurant food yet stay light on your feet, don’t you? Just go for the grilled chicken instead of the chicken Alfredo.
Or, if you’re craving some carbs, order a side of steamed vegetables or a salad instead of that extra serving of mashed potatoes.
You can also ask the waiter to hold the butter or cheese. And, if you can’t seem to find anything healthy on the menu, don’t hesitate to ask the chef to whip up something nice and healthy for you.
Keep Your Multivitamins Handy
We all know how important it is to take our vitamins, but we often forget to do so on vacation.
With all the exploring and sightseeing, it’s easy to forget to take your daily multivitamins. But, don’t worry! You can always pack a few extra vitamins in your suitcase or backpack to stay healthy while on vacation.
You can pack some fun ones instead of the regular ones, like gummy vitamins or chewable vitamins. This way, you’ll remember to take them!
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to believe that eating healthy when you’re on vacation is impossible. But it shouldn’t be. Neither does it have to break your heart and make you feel like you’re missing out.
Follow these easy hacks, and you’ll be sure to enjoy all the delicious food your vacation offers without packing on the pounds.
Remember, you lost all those pounds for that jawline and the perfect beach bod. So, don’t let all your muscle aches and sweat go to waste!
