Now that travel is starting to slowly but surely open back up, adventure is calling! Nothing sounds better than a vacation to a dream destination or spending a long weekend somewhere out of town. No matter where your travels take you next, when planning a vacation there are many things to consider – one of the most important being what you’ll eat!
Keep reading for three tips to take the stress away from eating healthy while on vacation!
Tip #1: Pack the Essentials
When packing for vacation, you’re most likely thinking about how much clothes you can fit in your suitcase, not what snacks to pack! However, I highly recommend packing healthy snacks to have on the go – these are some of my favorite snacks to have on hand. This will not only save you money on your trip but also will cure any lingering snack cravings that typically result in last-minute calorie packed decisions.
To steer clear of impulse snack decisions, packing healthy snacks such as dried fruit and granola bars will help tide you over to your next meal. Outside of snacking, starting your day off right with a healthy breakfast will also keep you on track to your nutrition goals. The hotel breakfast bar full of bacon and pancakes will be enticing, but bringing your own tasty, protein-packed breakfast and snacks like yogurt, instant oatmeal, or protein bars will help you stay on track with your nutrition goals.
Tip #2: Stick to Your Usual Habits
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean all things go out the door! When it comes to eating right on vacation, sticking to your usual eating habits is important. Indulging in local treats is okay in moderation. After all, you are on vacation! However, you want to make sure you stick to your usual meal patterns.
Maintaining your routine can be challenging on vacation, but keeping it simple is the trick! Stay motivated and less hungry throughout the day by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water while on vacation will keep you energized. It is also a good idea to take advantage of the local markets and grocery stores to spend less at restaurants and choose local produce to eat throughout the day. If your hotel includes a fridge or a mini-kitchen, take advantage of it and cook a meal now and then to stay on track. However, don’t overthink it. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the sweets, and remember portion sizes count.
Tip #3: Do Your Research
When planning a vacation, researching the local restaurants you want to go to can be extremely helpful when trying to be conscious of eating healthy. When traveling, you want to experience new foods, but still maintain an overall healthy diet while doing so.
No matter where you’re traveling, do some research to learn more about the local cuisine and in-season produce. If you are going somewhere tropical, the local fruits and vegetables are not only healthy but may even be packed with vitamins to enhance your sun protection. Try foods like strawberries, asparagus, or watermelon for healthy snacks and to fight off harmful UV rays!
Vacation is a time to let loose and relax. But maintaining a healthy diet can be tricky when traveling. These tips make eating healthy while vacationing simple so you can stay motivated and enjoy your vacation; wherever adventure takes you next!
