Now that is is officially summer, we felt it would be a great time to discuss taking care of your health and wellness while on vacation. Getting away from it all is a lot about doing things we don't always get to do and enjoying different experiences.
However, as much we choose to let loose, our bodies are at work 24-hours a day, and even our emotional lives will be back to normal as soon as vacation is over.
Let's discuss some great ways to help stay healthy and fit while on vacation.
Realistic Limits
When on vacation, and even with the greatest self-control intentions, it can be hard to maintain. Be creative in coming up with some realistic limits. If your vacation entails seven nights, only have drinks and desserts on two of those nights.
Another goal to consider might be to only have dessert after one meal every day. Know yourself, be realistic, and be creative about some healthy goals. Make some balanced choices and don't go hog wild!
Bring Healthy Snacks
At home, perhaps you have a healthy snack or two that you really enjoy and rely on. Bring a good stock of these snacks if possible. If not possible, look into obtaining these or other healthy snacks to get you through the days.
Studies are fairly unanimous in showing how healthy, continuous snacking is much better than heavy eating a few times a day. Try packing some nuts and fruits in your bag when you go sight seeing! Also, make sure you have plenty of water on hand and stay hydrated!
Remember Routine
One of the best ways to stay on track is to work-in familiar, healthy routines and habits. If you exercise during a particular time, try doing a physical activity during that same time while on vacation. It could be as intense as a scenic hike, or a bike ride with the kids on a beach boardwalk. An early morning walk is a great way to discover your surroundings before the crowds get there!
Look for Physical Activities
Some destinations can be absolutely loaded with great activities that keep frequenters active. Some of the best places for this are parks, campgrounds, water parks, theme parks, and beaches. If your destination seems to lack such opportunities, ask around. Tourist areas often have bicycle rentals and walking tours. Hotels often feature fitness centers and pools. There is surely a way to get in physical activity no matter where you are.
Make an Itinerary
If you really want to try to stay healthy and fit for the duration of vacation, try making an itinerary. Even though some idleness is natural to a well-deserved getaway, too much idle time can be dangerous. Staying on a pre-written itinerary can be immensely helpful to some. Get to know your travel destination ahead of time and plan to keep yourself busy. If you can't stick to the plan completely, it's fine, the important part is that you have a basic plan to guide you.
You might even want to plan a vacation around a physical activity like biking through Tuscany or a guided walk through Provence. It's a great way to take in the scenery and because you've been active all day, you don't feel guilty when you have pasta and a glass of wine (and maybe even dessert)!
Be Aware of Nutritional Values
Although there are certainly exceptions, many dining locations can provide nutritional values on their products. This is also true of many markets and grocers, again, depending on region. If this information is not available, do a little homework before vacation, and know what you should and shouldn't eat or drink. Recent studies have shown that knowing this information ahead has significant psychological impact at choosing time.
Recruit a Supportive Ally or Healthy Buddy
No matter who you are temptation is temptation and when you are on vacation at some exotic location, the wondrous smells, sights, and sounds can almost be too much to resist. Before vacation time, recruit a willing and reliable friend as support. This works better if the person is physically with you, but a voice of reason over the phone can also mean the difference between regrettable and sound choices.
Offer Yourself a Reward
Bad dietary choices can wipe out all the hard work that you've done months before vacation. Make yourself a fun deal. If you maintain your weight while you are gone you will have a reward waiting for you. Be creative and have fun with it. Remember the goal of this is to be healthy.
Post Vacation Recipe
Sumptuous Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Coming back from vacation can sometimes be a bit of a drag. Why not bring a little bit of the vacation back with you? Here 's a recipe for sumptuous grilled shrimp kabobs that is sure to leave your mouth watering. In addition, this treat is high in potassium and many other vitamins and minerals, as well as having relatively low saturated fat levels. Ingredients
- 36 large shrimp
- 1 red onion
- 1 Roma tomato
- 2 tomatillos
- 1 red pepper
- 1 cucumber
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 Skewers
- Makes 6 Servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Wash and cut all vegetables into slices. Slices can be made as thin or thick as you would like. More slices is generally better than less though.
- Brush Skewers with oil.
- Alternately slide shrimp and vegetable slices onto skewers, and then brush with remaining oil.
- Place kabobs on grill for approximately 5 minutes, turning once, halfway through cook time.
- If there is any left, continue to brush-on oil as kabobs cook.
- Enjoy
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Calories: 75
Fat: 2.3g
Carbohydrates: 6.2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
