The phrase "weight loss vacation" seems like an oxymoron. Vacations are a time to abandon the diet; enjoy the food and maybe the drinks; and laze in front of the pool, ocean or television, right? Not necessarily. Vacations can not only provide a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere but also be a legitimate way to lose weight. On a weight loss vacation, participants lose weight through a multifaceted approach, including diet, exercise and behavioral counseling. The cost is comparable to that for an all-inclusive vacation in the same area. Weight loss vacations are available in many parts of the country, so you will be able to find one whether you prefer a beach getaway or a trip to the mountains.
Physical Activities
A weight loss vacation needs to provide realistic alternatives to the usual vacation activities of eating and drinking. While the facility will schedule some sightseeing and downtime, the vacation should also offer plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, play tennis and engage in other forms of physical activity. Successful weight loss vacations cater to a wide range of activity levels--to people who are typically sedentary as well as those seeking a more aggressive, boot camp-style experience.
New Sports
The opportunity to learn a new sport or activity is one of the biggest draws of a weight loss vacation. Scuba diving, caving, rappelling and surfing are just some of the sports you can learn while streamlining your body. Adults don't often get the opportunity to pick up new skills. Trying new sports not only gives you the opportunity to burn extra calories but may also allow you to learn about a new activity you might fall in love with.
Good Food
Weight loss vacations don't need to rely on tasteless, boring foods. A successful program will give every bit of the same attention to detail in the menu as a traditional resort, though desserts may be fruit preparations. The calorie count should be high enough to fuel your activities and help you feel comfortably full.
Cooking Lessons
The best food will not do you any good over the long term if you cannot replicate it when you return home. Many weight loss vacations offer cooking classes so participants can learn some of the recipes popular at the resort and also update their cooking skills so they can prepare more waistline-friendly meals.
Support
You can't spend your entire day playing sports, exercising and eating. A successful weight loss vacation will offer some form of group or individual counseling to provide support as you strive to make changes to achieve weight loss goals. This may take the form of intensive one-on-one talk therapy about food issues or informal group discussions about dealing with temptation.
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