Staying Healthy While On Vacation

By Coach Maria - Salus Nutritionist & Food Expert

I love everything about summer!

The relaxed schedules, easy grilled meals, gathering with family and friends and, of course, a respite from normal life while on vacation!

Being on vacation, however, can add some stress for those that are committed to eating healthy.

"What do I eat while on vacation.....how can I avoid gaining weight....?"

It doesn't have to be stressful!

With a little bit of planning and a few smart decisions, you can still have fun and stay healthy while on vacation!

Bring your own snacks

• Veggies already prepped with any kind of dip (hummus, any nut butter, etc.).
• Trail mix that you can mix yourself is a great option that travels well.
• Fruit of any kind dipped in a nut butter is excellent as a go-to snack.
• Larabars are convenient and contain much better ingredients that many other bars on the market.

Avoid fast food and look, instead, for better quality dining options

• Use Happy Cow or Good Food Near You apps to research before your trip to find better quality food establishments.  Having a plan ahead of time, reduces the stress of not finding a decent alternative and being forced to rely on the unhealthy fast food options.

If you are flying, plan ahead to avoid over-processed and over-priced airport/airline food

• Try to eat a healthy, filling meal prior to flying so you are not at the airport hungry and without healthy options to choose.
• In your carry-on bag, toss in some almond butter packets, tuna packets and some bananas or apples and some nuts.
• Check with your airport's protocol regarding bringing food to the airport, many will allow you to bring your own food, which is a tremendous help while waiting for your flight or while flying to your destination.
• If your plans fail and you are left at the airport without your own food, choose the simple snacks/meals to get you by like salads, fresh fruit or vegetable-based soups.  Many shops at the airport will always carry those items (just be prepared to pay for them!)

If you are on a road trip, planning the hours with pre-packed foods is EASY and avoids all the unhealthy temptations when you stop for gas.

• If you don't have a travel cooler, get one!
• Pack a cooler with a variety of fruits, nut butters, healthy deli-meat or hard boiled eggs, some pre-cut veggies and lots of water.

If staying overnight away from home, plan on a good lodging option.

• Making reservations ahead of time, if possible, for a room with a kitchenette - even though sometimes they might be more expensive, you will have more savings overall with the money you will save by not eating out and preparing your meals in the room. 

If you splurge on a heavy meal, balance it out with a lighter meal

• If you know your dinner will be a heavy one, try to have a lighter breakfast and lunch.  Or, do a one-meal fast, where you eat a good breakfast, skip lunch (maybe have a light snack) and then enjoy your dinner without the guilt (you're on vacation, after all!)
• Opt out of nightly desserts and make a commitment to only having occasional desserts, and even then, decide to share that dessert with someone else.
• There's always the option to split a heavy meal in half, by deciding to eat only half of the heavy meal and taking the other half for leftovers the next day! :)

Your turn.....what are your strategies for staying healthy while on vacation?