How to Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle While Traveling

How to Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle While Traveling

If you’ve gotten into a good routine when it comes to nutrition and exercise, travel can be a scary curve ball. It can be a lot harder to maintain healthy habits when you’re away from home.
 
A great way to avoid common vacation pitfalls is to take some time beforehand to create a strategic game plan. It just takes a little bit of upfront planning to ensure we won’t be tripped up by unexpected events or days that stray from the routine. Use some of the handy tips below to create your healthy vacation plan. You can also download the infographic to print out and take with you.

 

Plan Ahead Image result for time icon

Set aside some time to research the restaurants and convenience stores at your destination. Identify the ones that have the foods you want to be eating. Take a look at some of the menus online and plan out which restaurants to add to your itinerary ahead of time. This way, when you get to your destination, you can purposefully hit up those locations when you’re hungry instead of choosing aimlessly, potentially ending up somewhere with no healthy choices.

 

Remove Temptations

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Hotels love to stock the room with all kinds of tempting treats. Ask the hotel staff to remove unhealthy snacks and sodas from your hotel mini bar. Create your own mini bar with your healthier options!

 

Share Meals

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One of the best things about going to a new place on vacation is trying out new and interesting dishes. You don’t have to deprive yourself of this when sticking to a healthy lifestyle. Simply share your portions with your travel partner so you’re eating less, while still getting to enjoy new foods!

 

Image result for stomach iconSavor Your Food

Did you know that it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it is full? Take your time, chew your food thoroughly, and savor every bite. Allowing our brains to catch up with our stomach is a great way to avoid that stuffed ‘I ate way too much’ feeling!

 

Pack a Snack

Pack a snack on vacationWe’ve all been there – we’re on the go, sightseeing, running from one destination to the next, and suddenly we realize we’re ravenous. Instead of relying on a convenience store snack, take the time to pack a healthy snack to take along. Pack a small sandwich or grab some fruit from the hotel buffet breakfast to ensure you can address your hunger pangs with real food!

 

Stay Hydrated

Drink enough waterDid you know that our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger? We feel hungry and reach for a snack when really, all our bodies needed was some water. Make sure to drink enough during the day, especially while out in the sun, to stave off those faux hunger pains.

 

Request Substitutions

substitute menu itemsIf there are elements of your dish at a restaurant you would like eliminated or replaced with something healthier, ask your server. Many restaurants honor requests!

 

Stay Active

Exercise while on vacationFind an empty corner in your suitcase and stuff in those workout clothes. Try to sneak in a workout when you can – whether it’s at the hotel gym or a run around the block. Remember, a quick 15 minute exercise is better than no exercise!

 

Enjoy and Relax!

Image result for relax iconOne of the best things you can do for your health is relax, destress, and get a good night’s sleep. Use the above tips to enjoy your vacation, knowing you’re maintaining your healthy habits so you don’t miss a stride when you get back to your routine.

Healthy Traveling

What do you do to stick to a healthy lifestyle while traveling? Let us know in the comments below!

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