Healthy Eating and Your Vacation

There’s little doubt that being on vacation makes us more likely to cut loose, to bend the rules that we might otherwise view as a rigid matter of principle.  While settling into vacation mode is definitely key to maximizing your enjoyment, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health.  It seems for many that the first step to “relaxing” involves grabbing an ice cream cone, slice of greasy pizza, or any number of treats that under normal circumstances we wouldn’t dare let cross our lips.  As tempting as this can be, there are ways to help us stay aware of what exactly we’re putting into our bodies.


If you’re flying to your destination, it’s easy enough to request a vegetarian or (non-fried) seafood meal, both of which are great ways to eliminate unnecessary fat and starches.  It’s when we get out on the road that things start to become a bit more complicated.  The first step here is to pack a cooler with healthy snacks for the trip.  Fruit and veggies, whole grain crackers, yogurt, and trail mix are all quick and portable solutions for the road.  Ensuring you have plenty of water will keep you hydrated and alert for longer trips as well.


Upon arrival at the hotel, immediately turn down the key to the mini bar, as having that temptation will do you no good whatsoever.  If where you’re staying offers a continental breakfast bar, stick with whole grain cereals, and proteins such as low-fat yogurt and eggs.  Lightly sweetened oatmeal is another great choice, and is something you can even make with the hot water from your in-room coffeemaker in the absence of a continental breakfast. 


When it comes time to eat out (it’s not much of a vacation if you eat every meal courtesy of your coffeemaker), be wary of buffets, a mainstay in most tourist destinations.  If you do find yourself at the front of that line, remain mindful that you don’t have to keep eating just because it’s available.  Choose poultry or fish for your entrée, making an effort to incorporate vegetables rather than fries or cole slaw. Desserts should be moderated as well, for example, picking the sorbet over ice cream, or even an option such as fresh seasonal fruit.  Alcohol intake should be limited throughout your vacation, as those empty calories add up fast.


Above all else, don’t double or triple your efforts to the point of sucking all the enjoyment out of your vacation.  Forgive any blunders without question or excessive guilt trips; you’ll hardly be the first to have given in for the sake of a little fun, and there’s no reason you can make up for it by taking a brisk walk around the city or by swimming those extra calories off in the pool.  Adding that element of physical activity is a great idea on its own, but not a bad one when it comes to allowing for a little splurge here and there either.