Thursday, April 2, 2015

Can We Maintain Good Nutrition On Vacation??

O.K.....So we all know the routine.  We all start cleaning up our diet and ramping up our exercise routines at least one month prior to vacation.  But what happens to all of our hard work once we are on vacation?  Should we or do we have to just blow all caution to the wind while on vacation??  My answer is, ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!   I just came back from spring break vacation with my family and I can tell you for sure that all of your hard work before you left for vacation does not have to be lost.  Yes, of course you are going to enjoy an ice cream cone or cake with your kids, but all is not lost if you follow some tips. 

First, always start your day with eating breakfast and since you are on vacation, there is no need to rush.  Eating breakfast starts your engine for the day.  Even if you are at a huge breakfast buffet, there are so many healthy choices you can make.  Oatmeal, fresh fruit, an egg white omelet, or yogurt are always available. 

Next, always bring your water bottle with you.  Water should always be the "go to" drink while on vacation.  Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will keep you from feeling sluggish because we all know that you are always on the go even though it is vacation.

I love going to the local fruit and vegetable markets while I am on vacation with my family. For some reason, they are always more open and eager to trying new fruits or vegetables on vacation.  I try to have them try as many as possible and then I find them when I get home and they eat them because they always associate it with a great memory!!  Try it....I bet you it will work!!

Always pack snacks for you and your family to have throughout the day.  I bring an insulated bag wherever we go and I pack it with nuts, fruits, rice cakes, pretzels, yogurt, etc...  I also bring a box of snack size bags with me so that I can be sure I am giving my kids a "healthy portion" size.  Never hand your children a whole bag of anything...it is important that we teach them an acceptable portion size.  Otherwise they have a tendency to just keep eating!!!

Never skip meals while on vacation!!!!   Make sure you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  In fact, you should try to eat five to six smaller meals each day to keep your metabolism regulated and help your body be the calorie burning machine that it is. 

As far as exercise....I know most hotels have great exercise facilities, but you may not want to leave your family behind.  What I love to do is take advantage of the weather and my surroundings.  I go for long walks, bike rides, swims, or hikes with my family.  We never get to spend the quality time like we do on vacation, so take advantage of it!  My girls love the one on one time with me and we are all getting great exercise together.

Yes, vacation is fun....but you definitely do not have to totally just let go of living a healthy lifestyle too.

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