I have a lot of clients who complain about how they always seem to gain 5 pounds while away on vacation. It is easy to do since vacations usually mean an increase in eating out, in alcohol consumption, and in sweets. It also usually means a decrease in activity, exercise, and routine.
But what are vacations suppose to be? Relaxing breaks from our normal life that re-energize our bodies, minds, and souls. There is no more perfect way to do that then to take in healthy foods and keep yourself active. There is no need to go to a gym, but healthy activities linger at every destination.
For the past 4 weeks I have been on vacation and I have always found ways to stay healthy. On our 1 week road trip Jay and I hiked or ran in the morning before we set off to our next destination. We hiked through National Parks and ran through the streets of little towns. When we were done we would do a little yoga to stretch our bodies out before sitting in the car all day.
In Hawaii we swam everyday in the ocean, ate fresh fish and fruit from local markets, and kayaked out to little islands off the beach. This was definitely not my normal exercise routine, but it kept me from gaining weight and from losing my fitness level.
Eating on vacation, and eating out in general, tends to make people gain weight usually due to the large portions. You don't have to give up everything, you are on vacation, but think instead of not OVER-eating. Eat what you want, but only the amount your body needs. Keeping portions small and fresh will help keep your calories at a controllable level. Eating fresh and limiting your intake of alcohol will also make your body feel better.
Your body wants to move, it does not want to sit in a bar. Swim in the hotel pool, walk around the local boutiques, hike up to a viewpoint. You do not have to go to your hotel's fitness facility to get your exercise in. Just keep moving and do something active everday!
