Health and Wellness Motivation

How to Stay Fit and Healthy while on Holiday

by Suzy Stichbury December 16, 2016

When you go on holiday, your healthy diet and lifestyle often take a break with you. While a holiday is a great opportunity to relax, live in up, and even indulge a bit, it is important to strive to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits no matter where you are. With a bit of planning, a focus on eating well and exercising on your next holiday can be fun and offer you experiences at your destination that you would miss out on without a health-minded focus. No matter where your next holiday takes you, keep the following things in mind and stay healthy while you’re away.

Set Realistic Goals

When planning a healthy balance of eating and exercise for your vacation, it is important to set realistic goals. While you still want to maintain the most optimum health while away, don’t forget you are on holiday and a little leeway is definitely okay. Set goals that you will stick to rather than making goals you might break. Try exercising at least half the days you are away, make healthy food choices (but leave room to indulge), moderate your alcohol intake, and plan on sharing meals. By keeping these four things in mind, you will have realistic goals that you will stick to, rather than break and end up feeling guilty about.

Stick to Your Diet

It is really not hard to stick to your diet while on vacation. It is, however, also very easy to completely slip off track and end up coming home a few pounds heavier. If you go into your vacation with the mindset that you will stick to your diet while away, it makes it easier to make smart choices when you get to your destination. Instead of giving into the temptation of that plate of deliciously cheesy enchiladas on your trip to paradise, order a side of black beans and rice that you can mix with fresh guacamole and vine-ripened tomatoes. Not only will this control your calorie intake and make you feel better, but will also give you room to indulge in that fresh mango margarita.

If there is something you have cut out of your diet, keep it out of your diet when on vacation. If, for example, you have cut dairy out of your diet, do not give into ordering the stuffed manicotti the next time you find yourself in Sicily. As tempting as it may be, your body will never really miss it, and you will feel an enormous sense of willpower and strength.

Choose Healthy Foods While Away

There are almost always healthy options for food no matter where you are in the world, and this is where part of the fun of eating healthy while on holiday. When you choose to seek out healthier options it often takes you a bit off the beaten path and offers a deeper look at the area you’re visiting. Visiting farmer’s markets in the area you’re visiting offers a chance to experience some of the freshest local food, and also gives you a better gauge of the local culture. In these markets, you will find regional fruits and vegetables that you otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to try if you weren’t committed to maintaining a healthy diet.

Stick to Your Workout Routine

Going on vacation doesn’t mean going on sabbatical from your normal workout routine. When you stick to your exercise program while away, you will find you feel better and have more energy. The benefits of your workout shouldn’t be forgotten, and you will find when you stick to your workout routine your entire vacation experience is greatly enhanced. Most hotels have gyms or workout rooms that will make working out a breeze, and many also offer classes such as yoga and kickboxing. Exploring a new area on foot will get you walking, your blood moving, and your heart pumping. Cycling is also a fantastic way to explore a new city. Not only do you get fresh air and exercise you can cover a lot more ground than on foot.