We are currently in the midst of summer and if you are like most people, you are probably going to travel somewhere. Vacations are a great way to unwind, but they can also unfortunately promote unhealthy behavior, such as overeating, not exercising and so forth. Fortunately, it is possible to have an enjoyable AND healthy trip. Keep reading to learn how to do so.
Being away from home can make exercising more difficult, since your usual place to work out is not nearby. However, a lot of hotels have a gym, so try to book one that does. If that is not possible for some reason, you can easily do some cardio and body weight exercises pretty much anywhere. For instance, for cardio you could go for a jog or a walk. As for calisthenics, pushups, crunches, and squats are some great examples. You could also easily pack some resistance bands in your luggage to do a variety of exercises, such as curls.
When working out on a trip try to make it extra fun. More than likely when you are on a vacation, you won’t be traveling alone, so try to get your travel companions to participate too. Working out in groups is not only more enjoyable, but it is also more motivating! Another way to make vacation workouts more fun is by incorporating them in to your travel plans. For instance, take a jog on that scenic beach you have been dying to see and cool off afterward with a splash in the water.
Being on vacation can also have a negative effect on your diet. Specifically, it can cause you to overeat and/or consume things that are not really healthy, such as fried, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. Also, eating healthy on a trip can be extra difficult because you will most likely be eating out at restaurants more than usual. The problem with restaurants is that you don’t really have much control over what ingredients go in to the food and drinks. Here are some tips for a healthier diet on vacations:
-Pack healthy snacks with you, such as nuts, pretzels, and dried fruit.
-Bring along healthy drinks if possible, such as bottled water or green tea.
-Try to get lodging that has access to a kitchen and/or grill, so you can easily prepare some healthy meals, such as chicken kebabs.
-When dining out, choose items that are not: fried, loaded with sugar, high in unhealthy fat and so forth. Don’t be afraid to ask your server to find out about specific ingredients!
-Another tip for restaurants: try not to overeat by ordering lighter portions or taking back leftovers to a hotel fridge if possible.
-Be sure to pack and take all of your health and fitness supplements, such as your multivitamin and mineral supplement.
Don’t get me wrong, it is ok to be a little “bad” on your trips! It is a vacation right? Have that margarita and fried shrimp. Take a lazy day or two to simply lounge by the pool. Just don’t go overboard (literally and metaphorically if you are vacationing on a cruise ship). Moderation is important!
Cheers to a safe, healthy, and fun summer..do you have any plans to travel?!
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