How to STAY FIT on a Holiday?
Holiday times are those when you spoil yourself, indulging in every food that looks tempting. “On a holiday? Relax and don’t worry about the extra pounds that you gain, Not really!”. It’s almost inevitable that you avoid every junk food, fattening or sugary food available when traveling. This might be a concern for many, especially women, who work out daily and are on a strict diet almost throughout the year. So, here is a list of tips that will help enjoy your vacation but also prevent weight gain.
1. Pack food for the Go
Packing food while traveling is a good idea to avoid gaining weight(saves money too). Eat out means, buying not so healthy food, sugary things, deep fried items, which makes your lethargic, sleepy and low on energy. Especially if you are traveling by flight, we all know the dishes on the sky menu are not healthy and don’t taste good either. So, the best way is to pack your own food. Airtight containers and bags are available, in which you can carry your snacks or meals. Must have snacks are a mix of fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, Peanut butter sandwich, green tea bags, energy bars etc. These ways you won’t buy food or sugary stuff, no digestive issues and will always feel excited.
2. Book a room with a kitchen
Booking a hotel or a hostel or airbnb with kitchen facilities is an add on. You have the choice of preparing your own meal, at least one of the three or you can also make your own snack for that very day. If you do proper planning, you can take rice, frozen chicken from your home and cook it when you reach your hostel or bnb. This way you tend to have fewer calories as restaurant foods are huge portion size with high calories.
3. Walk-Move often
“Walk to explore”, make this your mantra. If you can’t include exercise in your itinerary, you can always include sightseeing on foot in your itinerary. This way you stay active, meet locals and understand their culture better. Some places keep rented cycles. Either walk or cycle around the place to keep yourself active and pump up your heart rate.
4. Drink Water
Studies have proved that drinking water plays an important role in weight loss, muscle function and digestion. When you are traveling under the sun, there are chances of getting dehydrated. Sipping on water constantly will prevent you from getting dehydrated and also suppress your appetite. Your metabolism increases and you tend to increase the number of calories burnt by drinking water. Not drinking enough water can also lead to mood swings, headaches, and lack of energy levels. So, drink up more water fellas.
5. Look out for the farmers market
No matter which city you are in, visiting a farmer’s market should be on your itinerary. You can find season veggies, fruits and authentic cheese in these markets. If you have booked accommodation with kitchen, cooking up a meal using local products makes your destination come alive. In fact, many farmers market offer local authentic cuisines that are freshly prepared and are inexpensive. So, don’t miss this life-changing experience.
6. Avoid Booze
If you just can’t resist alcoholic beverages, then choose low-calorie drinks. These alcoholic drinks can pump up your calories like anything. Remember that for every alcoholic beverage you take, compensate it either from your diet or by working out. You also tend to eat more because alcoholic drinks increase your appetite. This is a good reason why you should drink less and exercise more.
7. Avoid Buffet
Buffets can add up to weight gain. It is tempting to try everything and end up eating more than required. You serve yourself seconds and sometimes thirds. This leads to an increase in calories and weight gain. It’s good in eat in small portions and if you are hungry, then you can always eat more. But eating in smaller portions will give you more control over your diet and weight.
8. Climb Stairs
This point is a very basic one and is applicable even if you are not on vacation. Always try to avoid elevators and climb the stairs. You can take up room on a higher floor away from the elevator. This way you will climb more stairs. Don’t push yourself too hard. Just remember a little bit of physical activity every day while you are on a vacation, goes a long way in keeping obesity at bay.
9. Indulge and Eat Mindfully
Before you travel to any new place, research, and plan where you are going to stay and the nearby restaurants that you want to try. This way, when you reach there you know exactly what to expect and what to do. It’s okay to indulge in some fancy food items, just be mindful of what you are feeding your body.
10. Enjoy the moment
Did you know that stress is one of the reasons for weight gain? Yes, you read it right. Studies prove that stress leads to overeating which leads to weight gain. So, stop stressing too much about making everything to be perfect, eating right, getting the best accommodation or something not working out as planned. When you eat right, your tummy is the happiest. But when you eat without stressing out, you are the happiest.
The above tips will help you have a guilt-free traveling experience. Seize every moment, sleep plentiful and stay active.
