Vacation can be a time away from work, but the disruption of your daily routine can disorient you. You may be tempted to eat without restraint when surrounded by new regional foods. Nutritionist Jen Andrus told Fodor's that it is easy to eat 4,000 calories a day while vacationing. "That translates into five pounds of weight gain for a one-week trip." With careful planning, you can lose weight during your time off. Plan your vacation around physical activities. Forgo the rental car and get to know your destination on foot, and use the change in routine to eat healthier food.
Step 1
Choose a vacation that centers around physical activity. Consider a trip to a national park where you can walk and hike. Or spend a week trying a new sport, such as surfing or golf. You can even find cruises that offer climbing walls, Pilates classes and excursions such as kayaking. Find a travel agency that specializes in active vacations. Walking tours, yoga retreats and cycling trips are only a few of the possibilities. Traveling with small children can make active vacations trickier. Instead, commit to daily family exercise, such as an outdoor game of hide-and-go-seek or a walk to a playground.
Step 2
Walk, rather than drive, and give yourself a vacation from the car. If you stay at a hotel, ask the staff for a map of the area. They can often recommend scenic walks or nearby attractions that you can reach on foot. When you walk rather than drive, you will get to see a different side of your destination. Going out to eat will have a built-in workout. And walking with your friends and family can give you time to bond and exercise. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and socks.
Step 3
Re-tune your taste buds with fresh food. With the change in scenery, you will have an opportunity to eat new foods. Take this chance to try new fruits or vegetables. Accustom yourself to eating one salad a day. Practice the habit of carrying healthy snacks with you. After one week of eating fewer processed foods, you may find you prefer the more subtle flavors of apples, lemon or a new local spice. Be sure to drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. If you are traveling in a hotter locale, you will need even more water.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk with your travel companions or the staff at your destination about your goals. They can provide support.
- Check with a physician before starting a new exercise routine. If you plan to exercise more than usual on your vacation, start training before you leave to prepare your body.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable shoes and clothing
Member Comments