When you travel do you try to maintain a healthy lifestyle or do you take a vacation from your healthy habits?
I know that it can be extremely difficult to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road but I think with a little will power and planning that you can still enjoy yourself and still make healthy choices.
For starters, make a plan! If you are trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle I think that having a plan in place for eating or physical activity is just as important as knowing how to get where you are going during your trip. Try to do a little brainstorming about your meals and snacks before you begin your travel. A good start may be to have a well-balanced meal before you leave and pack some healthy snacks for your trip to help you avoid eating junk food. Some possible snack choices are:
NutsSeedsTrail mixCerealDried fruitLow-fat crackers.Single-serve containers of fruitPeanut butterPopcornGranola or cereal barsRice or popcorn cakesGraham crackers
You may also want to think ahead about your meal choices. I think if you have some idea ahead of time about possible healthier choices then it may help you avoid making poor food choices. For example, thinking about how your food is prepared. Will you try to avoid all the sauces and extras that may come with your meal and keep it simple or will you completely indulge? I know that we all want to enjoy our trips or vacations but even if you indulge, do so in moderation. If your favorite meal is not a healthier choice, then don't deprive yourself but be conscious of how much of it you are eating. Watch your portions! Maybe try sharing it with someone or only eating half and requesting a take-home container for the rest.
Do you plan any physical activity into your trip? Even if you don't want to exercise in any traditional ways, could there be some enjoyable physical activity that you can do? Is taking a walk to do a little sightseeing an option or if there is a swimming pool, why not go for a swim? On the other hand, if you don't mind more traditional exercise on the road, will you consider staying at a location that has exercise equipment for guests to use or planning a workout to do in your hotel room?
Don't forget about water! Drinking bottled water can help you stay hydrated and help you cut down on the calories you consume. If you choose not to drink water, then try to be conscious of the calories you are drinking. Your beverage choices may add to some unwanted calories being consumed.
I hope this provides a little food for thought. No pun intended! Making healthy choices on the road doesn't have to be unpleasant. You can still enjoy great food when you travel and maintain your healthy lifestyle. Just remember to plan, try to be as active as possible, practice moderation and have some fun!
*Sources and Additional Info
Medicinenet.com : Avoid Vacation Weight Gain: 5 Simple Rules
Webmd.com : Take Your Diet on the Road
American Dietetic Association (eatright.org) : Road Trips Can Be Nu...
About.com: Nutrition - Healthy Eating On The Road
*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before modifying your diet or begininng physical activity.
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