7 ways to avoid gaining weight while on vacation
(Photo courtesy of indianapublicmedia.org)
Part of going on vacation is indulging in another region’s culture and tasting different foods — whether that food is funnel cake at Disneyworld or rich pasta dishes in San Diego’s Little Italy. Vacation is also about relaxing and unwinding and letting loose. So we know the scale can be a bit scary when you get home and, admittedly, you probably don’t want to bring home any, shall we say, souvenir pounds?
Here are five ways to stave off weight gain when you’re on vacation or traveling:
- Order tapas, appetizers or small plates and share them with the table so you can get a good taste of the local foods, but keep your portions small.
- Research restaurants and choose ones where you can indulge in some of the local delicatessens. Hint: Foods with long histories tend to be more wholesome and less processed.
- Splurge on just one meal a day. Keep your breakfasts light — perhaps fruit and a non-fat yogurt cup. Or, eat some high-fiber oats. Then choose whether you want to spend your calorie budget on lunch or dinner.
- Sneak in a quick work-out, whether it be in the hotel gym or by taking a quick jog along the beach. Because you are on vacation, it’s okay if you work out a little less than you would when you’re at home. Here’s the thing about working out on vacation: People will think you have superpower willpower strengths and exercise boosts endorphins, naturally making you even more happy. Read more here about how to get a good work-out in while on vacation.
- Watch your alcohol intake because booze is high in sugar. Consider ordering a wine spritzer — a white wine with soda water — to cut down on some of the calories.
- Being active is the best way to earn yourself some extra calories. In addition to a quick work-out in the morning, plan on some activities that will feel more like fun — whether it’s kayaking, white-water rafting, renting bikes to explore the city you’re visiting or even running in a local race.
- Keep a healthy snack stash. If you’re headed on a road trip, stock up on some fruits and veggies to keep yourself from buying gas-station snacks. If you’re staying in a hotel, make a quick trip to local market or grocery store and buy some produce to eat between meals.
Save money on your next trip by earning Cash Back at Thrifty Rental Car, on lodging through Hotels.com and by checking out more travel and hotel deals at ShopAtHome.com.
Other articles you might also like:
• How to plan an active Sunday Funday for Father’s Day
• Work out like a warrior with these ‘Game of Thrones’ exercises
• 7 kid-approved, healthy snacks to take to the pool
• Five Father’s Day gift ideas for fit dads
• Study: Fast-food diners dramatically underestimate calorie counts
