Summer is here and so many of us work hard to lose a few pounds before summer vacation but then get to our vacations and ‘’want to live it up!’’ The problem is that then we end up bloated and unhappy with those decisions. Vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and unwind and shouldn’t make you worrisome or apprehensive about your fitness goals. Here are a few tips to stay on track with your goals while still being able to enjoy yourself:
Make a Plan
What are you looking forward to the most? Eating at a certain restaurant? A certain food in general? Try to make good choices with your food and activity all day so that you won’t feel guilty if you indulge in eating your favorite burger. Allow yourself a splurge, enjoy it, but then move on and get back on track.
Drink Water
Drinking enough water may be the last thing you are thinking about on vacation but it is essential for your health and to help you stay on track. Drinking water not only helps your body function properly but also helps you feel full before and during meals so you eat less. Even the slightest bit of dehydration can cause you to believe you need food when, in reality, you just need some water.
In addition, water is a great choice to substitute for alcohol. Drinking water is also a good way to slow down the amount of alcohol you’re drinking and helps you to avoid hangovers or getting the ‘’munchies’’ later that night and the next day.
Schedule in Movement
Make a commitment to schedule in daily movement. The goal isn’t to make strength improvements or lose weight but rather to stay consistent to keep momentum. If you enjoy walking, jogging, or biking, it’s time to take go into the great outdoors to enjoy your new surroundings. You can also engage in new opportunities to move your body in ways that aren’t available to you at home, like: surfing, swimming, rock climbing and paddle boarding.
Don’t Skip Meals
Whether you’re rushing to tourist sites or heading to the beach for the day, it’s easy to lose track of time and skip a meal. But, skipping a meal can easily lead to overeating at your next meal. Keeping your hunger in check is key so pack a few nutritious, protein packed snacks whenever you head out.
Remember Your Goals
When you are struggling to turn down that second serving of dessert, remember why you wanted to get healthy in the first place. Is it to feel confident? Get your cholesterol numbers down? To be able to run and play with your kids? Find something that you find motivating and remind yourself several times a day.
Take a breath and enjoy life!
Go dancing, biking, swimming or go hiking! Vacation is the time to slow down and enjoy the little moments. This time away is important to your wellbeing and mental health.
Staying on track on vacation doesn’t have to mean perfection – it just means you have to strike a balance. It is possible to have a great time without sacrificing fun or sabotaging all that hard work you put in before your trip. Even with these tips, your diet progress may stall on vacation (and that’s ok!). As long as you’re not gaining weight, you’re still on track toward meeting your goals. Relax, enjoy yourself, and focus on making healthy choices when you can.