Written by Brit DeLong
[dropcap]As the summer months quickly approach, thoughts turn to sandy beaches and cool ocean waters. Vacations also mean days of lazing and non-stop eating which can result in your arriving home heavier than when you left. As you begin to plan your vacation, keep in mind several strategies for incorporating fun fitness activities and small diet tweaks into your trip so that you not only enjoy your time off but also stay active and healthy.[/dropcap]Request a Distant Room
When scheduling your stay with a hotel or resort, ask to have a room farthest from the main lobby area or request a room on the top floor. This way, you effortlessly get steps in simply by going back and forth from your room to the pool or beach. You will be surprised at how much extra walking you will get in by making this change and it won’t feel like you are forcing yourself to exercise while on vacation.
Try Local Foods
If you’re going out of the state or country, you will likely encounter cuisine options that vary from your normal palate. Produce and other dishes indigenous to a certain area can often offer great nutritional benefits while also serving as a culinary experience. While in the Caribbean, try callaloo, a leafy vegetable akin to spinach and often sautéed and served with colorful sliced peppers. If you’re visiting Asia, snack on the lychee, a tropical fruit encased in a shell and resembles a grape when peeled. Exotic foods aren’t just limited to other countries. An array of interesting fare like the saskatoon, which resembles a blueberry, can be found in the mid to western US.
Explore Area Activities
Vacations offer you a chance to try activities you wouldn’t normally get to participate in on a daily basis such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking. Getting involved in water sports or other fun cardio activities allows you to stay active without the exercise seeming like a boring gym workout. Additionally, you might discover some amazing sights by touring the local terrain while also burning calories. For example, climb the Dunn’s River Waterfalls in Jamaica or go spelunking in the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important whether you are on vacation or not, but it is particularly vital if you are out in the sun all day or participating in activities during your trip. You can become dehydrated quickly which can result in mistaking thirst for hunger. Keep a cooler stocked with ice and water bottles with you. You can also perk up your water by adding slices of watermelon, pineapple, or cucumber to your bottle. This both encourages water consumption and gives your drink a tropical flair.
Do Indulge
You are on vacation, after all. You’ve likely saved money and planned months in advance for your trip, so don’t deprive yourself entirely. However, try to limit yourself to one decadent treat a day. That way, you still get to indulge without overeating at every meal. Plus, you will look forward to one luxurious dish more than you would three or four mediocre foods.
Vacation is a time to relax and take a break from the pressures of your day-to-day life. However, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your hard work at maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Employing some of the tips mentioned can ensure that you stay as fit on the first day of your trip as the last day.