Lifestyle

How To Stay Healthy On Vacation Without Stressing About Your Diet The Whole Trip

by Tatiana Amico
Andrey Pavlov

Did you know it's actually possible to have fun on vacation without gaining weight? Well, it is, and I've done it plenty of times.

When I used to go away on vacation, I'd already feel bloated and sluggish by the time I stepped off the plane.

That isn't how I wanted to spend my time away, so I took control of that.

Here are a few tips for you to stop vacation weight gain:

1. Bring healthy snacks.

I bring at least enough food for the plane, and that includes things like veggies, hummus, crackers, roasted edamame, energy bars, fruit, veggies, greens or superfood powder and other whole food snacks.

2. Stay somewhere with a kitchen or at least a fridge.

Book a house or apartment. That way, you get a kitchen, which means control over what you eat and saving a ton of money.

My favorite sites to book those are Airbnb and HomeAway. If you do book a hotel, look for ones that at least have a fridge and coffee maker for making tea and hot water for oatmeal.

3. Walk.

By walking, you'll be able to sneak in some low-key exercise, and you'll also get to experience so much more of whatever place you're visiting.

And who doesn't want to see more site and have more interaction with locals?

4. Drink a lot of water.

Bring a big water bottle to fill up in the airport before getting on the plane. Make sure you are drinking it consistently and filling it up.

5. Choose adult beverages wisely.

I mean, let's be real: I don't expect my trips to be all green smoothies, salads, unicorns and rainbows.

I enjoy going out and having beverages. I just choose more wisely.

I stick to red wine, lighter beer, Champagne and vodka sodas with fresh fruit like lime or lemon.

6. Look up restaurants.

These days, there's no excuse to not plan when we have Google at our fingertips.

All you have to do is google “healthy restaurant near me.” Do your research, and know where to go out to eat so you don't get stuck eating fast food.

If there is nothing around (which could be the case unfortunately), try to eat as healthy as possible.

Eat a salad first, and pick items that aren't loaded with grease, cream or butter or are fried.

It also never hurts to ask for healthier substitutes or adjustments. (I've been able to do this plenty of places.)

7. Find grocery stores and farmer's markets.

This way, when you get to your location, you can stock up on healthy foods.

And if you took my advice with tip two, you can get food to cook at your place.

This is a huge money saver as well. I love going out to eat, but it's nice to have your own food for the majority of the time you're traveling.

8. Bring things to help with your stomach.

Flying can mess with you, but throw in food and drinks you aren't used to, and watch out.

I always make sure to bring certain items to help with an upset stomach. I pack superfoods powder and green tea with ginger and lemon.

And if I am staying somewhere longer, I will get raw apple cider vinegar and papaya enzymes.

This article was originally published on the author's personal blog.