Going on vacation doesn’t mean taking a vacation from being healthy. Exercise is important, but don’t neglect your overall health. Your summer vacation itinerary should include these plans, as well.
If you’re traveling by plane:
Stock your carry-on with healthy staples. Carry resilient healthy snacks like apples, oranges, bananas, nuts, whole grain crackers, crunchy veggies and even some dark chocolate. Keeping healthy snacks around will keep your blood sugar from dropping and getting hungry, and you won’t be stuck with chips and cookies in a pinch.
Stay hydrated. Skip the calorie filled drinks and stick with water or club soda. Staying hydrated will keep your calories in check, as well as keep you energized and safe from germs and jetlag.
Walk when you can. Walk around the airport before you flight, but when the seat belt light turns off while you’re on the plane, get up and walk around then, too. On longer flights, get up once and hour and walk around to keep the blood moving, get in a little activity and prevent stiffness.
If you’re traveling by car:
Bring a picnic. Food on the road usually means hitting the drive thru. Bringing snacks cures that problem, but it also brings all-day-long munching. Save money and calories and have a little fun by bringing a packed lunch to have at a local park along the way. Bring healthy choices like sandwiches on whole wheat, veggies, fruit, hummus and iced tea.
Enjoy the scenery. Don’t just watch the pretty scenery go by- stop every hour and talk a walk around. Getting some exercise will keep everyone from getting restless and burn a few calories.
Stay Hydrated. Same reasons as the plane, plus summer car rides can get really hot, so replenishing your fluids will keep you from getting dehydrated.
When you’ve reached your vacation destination:
Keep Moving. Plan activities that require you to move. Whether that be golf, tennis, kayaking, swimming or even a stroll to a tourist hot-spot, doing more than lounging all day will burn those vacation calories.
Eat what you would at home. Every meal is not a celebration- even on vacation. People are always more willing to buy another cocktail or have dessert on vacation, but resist the urge. You can indulge, but indulge implies that it’s occasional. Enjoy a fancy dinner or nice brunch, but don’t waste calories on ice cream at the beach or extra beers at lunch. Make sure it’s worth it.
Don’t forget to sleep. One of the best things you can do for your body and health is to rest. Vacation may tempt you to stay up late and wake up early to pack in as much fun as you can, but travel can take a toll on your body, and with all the time changes and busy schedules, sleep is a must.
In Good Health,
Kelly Turner
Kelly Turner is a Seattle area ACE Certified Personal Trainer, health and fitness writer and editor of the fitness website, PhysiqueSpeak.com. To contact Kelly with any questions, you can email her at kellycturner@hotmail.com.