If you’re planning a vacation, you might be wondering how to enjoy yourself AND stick to your health, weight and wellness goals. So I’ve put together a list of my top tips to take with you wherever your summer travels may take you! (By the way, many of these tips are helpful at home, too!) Check out my trip-tested strategies below, along with my favorite healthy snacks to pack!
Plan ahead!
You wouldn’t go to the beach without making a list of essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, and a bathing suit, right? Get in the habit of planning and shopping for healthy snacks and food essentials for your trip, too.
Pack travel snacks for the unexpected.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If the trains, planes or automobiles are delayed … if hotel check-in isn’t for hours … it can trigger food temptations. See the list of my favorite travel snacks. These healthier snacks will help get you through the unexpected without derailing your goals. Be sure to pack a shaker bottle to mix on-the-go protein drinks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated!
Keep moving!
Physical activity doesn’t have to go on vacation when you do! Whether you use the hotel gym or join a fitness class, or take it outside for a run, bike, swim or walk, try to be active for 30 minutes a day. My strategy is to get some form of exercise first thing in the morning, before my day fills up with vacation activities!
Dining out doesn’t have to derail you!
Even when on a cruise, visiting a foodie town or staying at a resort, you can stave off food-related symptoms or weight gain by making savvy dining decisions.
No matter what your order, get a side salad, too. Greens will do your body good — the fiber helps you feel full (and can keep you “regular”). Just remember to skip the mayo-based dressings and cheese dips. Better choices include balsamic vinegar, olive oil and/or fresh-squeezed lemon.
Don’t be shy. Fortunately, today’s restaurants are accustomed to accommodating special requests, what with gluten-sensitivities, low-carb diets, paleo, vegetarian, and/or vegan customers. It’s usually not a problem to ask for no butter, no sauce, or no whatever-you-want-to-avoid. Hopefully your server will be happy to accommodate you!
Pass up the bread basket. If you want to have a healthier starter, ask for a fresh vegetable platter.
Check out my favorite travel snacks!
The more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll be able to eat healthier and feel better. Some I pack no matter where I’m going or for how long—like nuts and fruit. Others I pack depending on where I’m going, how I’m getting there, what access I’ll have to fresh markets, and how long I’ll be gone.
Talk it out.
If you have concerns about an upcoming trip, let’s talk! We can plan for potential challenges that you foresee; discuss your individual needs; research and review local options, and put together a plan so you can be prepared, feel more in control, and enjoy your vacation looking and feeling your best!
Hi, I’m Linda. As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, my passion is empowering my clients to take control of their relationship to food, their health, and their overall wellbeing. Nothing makes me happier than my clients who have reached their goals and are symptom-free, lighter, and have more energy and confidence than ever before! 