Summer is here! It’s warming up, kids are getting out of school, and you feel the tug of a relaxing summer vacation. Maybe it’s poolside at a beach resort. Maybe it’s lounging in the sun while you read the latest novel on your summer reading list. Maybe it’s visiting one of your favorite theme parks for the thrill rides and princess castles. (Which you can confidently do with or without children, of course.) Whatever your plans are, you may be concerned how to stay healthy and on track while traveling, especially if you have worked hard to lose/maintain your weight. Not to worry! Below you will find 5 great tips on how to stay both physically and mentally healthy on your upcoming vacation.
1. Plan ahead! Perhaps you have heard the saying “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. It rings true, especially when you are going on vacation. I know, I know. Vacation is about relaxing, letting go, and just not worrying about things. But, you will have such a piece of mind knowing that you have a plan! Be sure to do a little research and have a plan for meals. If you know what restaurants you’ll have access to, and what food they serve, you’ll be more likely to choose the healthier option. Also, plan and prepare plenty of healthy snacks for car trips, plane rides, and in between meals. You are less likely to gorge when it is meal time if you have been consistently supplying your body with healthy food. Some snacks that travel well are fresh fruit, fresh veggies with travel hummus or nut butter packets, granola/energy bars, and nuts.
2. Stay hydrated! Be sure to drink plenty of water. If you are traveling, it becomes very easy to become dehydrated. We have a tendency to forget to drink water when things get busy or hectic. Water can keep you feeling energized, alert, and keep sickness at bay. If you are sweating, drink more water. If you drink alcohol, drink a glass of water for every drink you have. Water also helps flush out excess salt should you decide those fries are too delectable to pass up!
3. Stay active! Depending on where you choose to vacation, this may be an easy one. If you are visiting a large theme park then you will be walking several miles a day and doing a lot of standing in lines. If you are going to be laying on a beach all day, try and get some movement in before you relax. You will have an easier time relaxing knowing you got some exercise in. If you have a hotel gym, hit it up in the morning. Get outside for a walk, a jog, a swim, or a hike. Explore on bicycles. Or throw some of your favorite bodyweight movements into your day; lunges, push-ups, jumping jacks, tricep dips, or squats are all great ways to sneak in some movement!
4. Wash your hands! No one wants to get sick on vacation and germs are everywhere! Keep your hands clean and you should have no sicknesses creeping into your vacation. When soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer. They are easy to find in those cute little travel bottles that can be thrown in a purse or a pocket. When in doubt, clean your hands!
5. RELAX! Last, but mostly not least, is relax! After all, you are on vacation. If you plan and prepare, you will have the freedom to relax, breathe, and enjoy your time. Vacation is meant to be a time to decompress and re-energize, so don’t forget to do just that.
Now that you have these handy dandy tips, planning your vacation should be a breeze! Whatever your trip has in store for you, may you return energized, enlightened, happier, and ready to tackle all that everyday life has to offer!
Happy Vacationing!
Natalie Lurie
