There's nothing easy about following a strict diet while on vacation. Restaurant and to-go foods tend to be loaded with far more calories, fat and sodium than home-cooked meals have -- and you probably want to splurge on extra treats as well. Instead of giving in to temptation, follow a simple, adjusted diet with a few basic guidelines.
Features
Follow the tenets of MyPyramid, the USDA's model for healthy eating, while on vacation. MyPyramid features nutritious choices including whole grains, nonfat dairy, lean meat, fish, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Whenever possible, pick a meal or snack that consists of whole and natural foods, and avoid overly processed products.
Nutrition
To avoid extra calories that have little nutritional value, limit the amounts of sodium, added sugar, cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat that you eat. Always check nutrition facts and ingredient labels on to-go foods you buy while on vacation, and pick those with the most health benefits and the fewest artificial ingredients.
Guidelines
When nutritional information isn't available, carefully read menu descriptions. TravelSense suggests looking for menu items that are labeled with terms such as "garden fresh," "au jus," "poached," "stir fried" or "steamed" and avoiding items that are "buttered," "basted," "fried," "creamed" or "scalloped." You can also ask servers to share information about which dishes are healthiest, and choose those options. One more helpful step is to conduct a Web search on area restaurants before you leave, take a glance at menus and jot down the names of those that seem to offer the healthiest foods.
Control
The key to following any diet is maintaining control. If possible, prepare and cook your own meals by getting a hotel room with a kitchenette or staying at a vacation apartment. According to HelpGuide.org, cooking tends to encourage healthier eating because it allows you to control how your food is prepared and how much of it you eat. If you aren't able to cook, try making meals and snacks out of healthy, nonperishable items, such as peanut butter, whole-grain bread and fresh fruit.
Risks
According to the National Health Museum, dehydration is a consideration while traveling, and it can make people feel hungry at times when all you really need is a drink of water. Carry water with you to avoid getting dehydrated. Finally, if you have food allergies or related health concerns, alert restaurant and hotel staff in advance so you can enjoy food that is safe and suitable for your diet.
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