How to sustain your Fitness Journey while on vacation.

How to sustain your Fitness Journey while on vacation.

You have worked so hard getting in the workouts to get your body in shape for vacation and now you are worried you are going to get completely off track or possibly gain weight while on vacation. Eating a cookie, having a drink by the beach or splurging one night at a Mexican restaurant will not make you gain 10lbs. Enjoy the little moments away, but choose to splurge in moderation. Keeping the "unhealthy options" in moderation, will not only help you with sustaining your weight loss journey, but it will also prevent from binge eating when consuming your favorite foods.

Why not maintain your healthy mindset on your vacation instead of undoing the hard work you put in all year long? Let’s look at some ways to take care of your body (and mind) while on the road for business or pleasure.

Tip #1 - Do not forget the snacks!

We all love a good snack whether it may be salty or sweet. I suggest packing a variety of protein bars, individual packets of protein powder, beef jerky, nuts, popcorn, dried fruit, nut butter packets or applesauce. If you are on the go or get stuck somewhere traveling having these snacks on hand will keep your satisfied and avoid your metabolism from dropping.

Tip #2 - Plan your meals.

Before you leave for your vacation, do your research. Find restaurants around your hotel that may be convenient for walking or a short drive. Having a plan before you leave for dinner will also help to avoid running through fast food. Once at your destination, pop by the local supermarket and load up on your favorite healthy nibbles. Added bonus? Every meal doesn’t have to be a meal out. I enjoy packing a small basket of food when taking a trip because grocery stores are often more expensive when on vacation. Some ideas to pack for meals: condiments, rice, pasta (Barilla protein pasta), peanut butter, jelly apples, oranges, tuna and wraps/bread. I usually purchase my cold groceries once I arrive: For example- eggs, chicken sausage, cucumbers, frozen veggies, milk, string cheese, lunch meat, deli cheese, hummus.

Maybe it is a family event or a work trip- Just go for healthier choices, like chicken or fish instead of the burger and fries, and don’t overdo the sugary drinks, like soda and alcohol.

Tip #3 -Get moving!

Start the trip off right at the airport. Get in extra steps by avoiding the conveyor belt people-movers. It might seem small, but not letting healthy habits slip away is key. Almost all hotels, and especially fancy resorts, have gym facilities. Getting in a workout might mean waking up early to slip away before family activities and business seminars, but it will get the blood flowing (and reduce stress) for the rest of the day, too. There’s no better way to explore than on your own two feet. Go for a long walk, or get in a morning jog, and soak in the sights while burning the calories. It can help you overcome jet lag, too.

Tip #4 - Rest Up

Some of us on vacation love the extra hours of sleep, while some of us stay out later with friends or family partying. Getting in the extra sleep will allow your body to reset for the following day after feeling jet lag. Reaching a minimum of 8 hours of sleep per night will help with happiness and mood the next day, reduced stress, and restored immune function. During sleep, the body naturally produces more of an appetite suppressor, called leptin, while reducing production of the appetite stimulant ghrelin. On nights of too-little sleep, however, production of ghrelin increases and leptin decreases. As a result, a lack of sleep can lead to a greater feeling of hunger.

Vacations are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. By adding snacks to your luggage, planning your meals ahead of time, getting in physical activity of some sort, and getting enough rest you will be so much happier when you come home from your vacation. Are you ready for your next trip?