Nothing says vacation quite like enjoying all the good eats your eyes can see or sipping on fruity cocktails all day by the beach. But, how many times a day can you eat all the fried foods from the menu before feeling like you’ve put on a couple of pounds? Consider these tips to enjoy a pleasant, yet healthy vacation.
- Track your steps
If you’re on a city trip, a pedometer may be a smart investment. Smartwatches or fitness-bands can be your best friend as you watch how many steps you take, especially if you are walking everywhere. Don’t have these fancy gadgets? Not to worry! Install free pedometer apps such as StepUp Pedometer or Accupedo, both available for apple and android devices. With these pedometers, you won’t even realize how many miles you’ve walked and if you didn’t walk as much as you would like, you can always set a goal for yourself. Perhaps that will encourage you to take the stairs up the Eiffel Tower instead of using the elevator.
- Run, Forrest, Run
You know the cliche past-time on dating websites, “I like taking long walks on the beach…” Why not take a jog on the beach instead? The smooth, exfoliating sand on your bare feet will feel nice as you’re running or jogging on the beach. If it’s too crowded and hot during the day, consider running before the sun sets. You may even catch a glimpse of a breathtaking sunset.
- Go on an Active Excursion
This is especially true if you are on an all-inclusive vacation where the hotels have special packages for outdoor and water excursions. Instead of laying by the pool all day, why not go out and discover the area more while doing a type of water-sport? For instance, you can go snorkeling or try surfing, which burns many calories. The best part is you will not even realize how much exercise you are getting because you’ll be too busy looking for Nemo, or trying to catch a wave.
- Ditch the Takeout Whenever Possible
While on vacation, I’m always trying to get the best bang for my buck which is why I mostly stay at Airbnbs. When booking my stay, a kitchen is an amenity I look for in order to not only save on eating out everyday, but also to eat healthy foods that I can cook. It is understandable to not want to cook every day especially during your vacation, but if you can make a nice home cooked meal a couple of times, your waist size will be happy already.
- Pick a Light Meal Once a Day
If you have three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), your stomach is pretty happy already. However, consider eating plain yogurt with blueberries along with eggs for breakfast, but pick which of the other two meals you want to splurge on. You should only go all out for one meal though. Ask yourself: “Do I really need that steak and fries for dinner if I already had a cheeseburger for lunch?”
- Ask Locals for Recommendations
This may be easier said than done because chances are you are looking for the good food you won’t be able to get in your home state. However, try asking a local where to buy healthy and delicious local foods. After all, locals know best. For example, if you are in Italy, you may want to ask an Italian where is the best market to buy olives, for they contain healthy fatty acids that can increase good cholesterol. Though they may look at you weird for not wanting to try pizza instead (as if you didn’t have enough pizza on your trip), at least your food intake will be more on the healthier side.