Many of us have the tendency to gain weight during vacation or any type of travel. If you travel often, it can lead to access pounds. By making a few changes, you can maintain your weight and stay healthy. Easily I gain 5-10 lbs during one week vacations at an all-inclusive resort if not planning well. My last trip was different and I only gained 2 lbs that came off shortly upon my return. The secret was simple modifications such as limit alcoholic or sugar drinks to 2 per day. That was still 14 drinks during the week which is much more than my normal intake. Increase water consumption while traveling offers many additional benefits. Also I took the stairs to the 3rd floor several times a day limiting use of the elevator. Taking long walks down the beach once or twice daily. Filling up my plate with fruit and healthier options leaving little room for the 'good' stuff. For example, I ate Jello instead chocolate cake.
Here is an article to help you make better choices during your next trip.
Here is an article to help you make better choices during your next trip.
5 ways to stay healthy when you travel
(MoneyWatch) Whether you're traveling
for work or vacation this summer, there's something about hitting the
road that allows healthy habits to take a vacation, too. Sure, you can
blame willpower. But logistics are also a problem, as I was reminded
while trying to buy snacks for my kids in the Seattle airport recently.
Nacho cheese flavored Combos abounded. Fruit? Not so much.
But there are ways to mitigate the damage -- which is worth doing if you spend big chunks of your work week traveling. A few ideas:
1. Find a gym. There are lots of hotels out there, so it may be worth prioritizing those that have decent fitness facilities (or are near awesome running trails). Packing sneakers and workout clothes adds to your luggage, of course, though less than you might think. Another option? Take up swimming and stay in hotels with reasonable pools. Anyone can squeeze a swimsuit and goggles into a carry-on.
2. Map out workout times. It doesn't help to stay in a hotel with a gym if you don't use it, but the upside of jet lag is that you may be awake at times you'd never consider accessible at home. Of course, getting up early requires paying attention to idea #3.
3. Stop at 2 drinks. Yes, you're probably traveling to meet people, and part of that is going out to dinner and networking events, but it's that much harder to exercise and eat right -- and get adequate sleep -- when you're jet-lagged and hung over.
4. Restrain yourself at meals. I love steak and bacon, and if you're eating in restaurants for 3 meals a day, a day can easily feature both. But you might remind yourself that this is not your last meal. The fish and vegetarian options might be worth an occasional look as well.
5. Snack smart. Skip the soda -- it's worthless. If your food options are limited to convenience store fare, plain pretzels may be your best bet.
But there are ways to mitigate the damage -- which is worth doing if you spend big chunks of your work week traveling. A few ideas:
1. Find a gym. There are lots of hotels out there, so it may be worth prioritizing those that have decent fitness facilities (or are near awesome running trails). Packing sneakers and workout clothes adds to your luggage, of course, though less than you might think. Another option? Take up swimming and stay in hotels with reasonable pools. Anyone can squeeze a swimsuit and goggles into a carry-on.
2. Map out workout times. It doesn't help to stay in a hotel with a gym if you don't use it, but the upside of jet lag is that you may be awake at times you'd never consider accessible at home. Of course, getting up early requires paying attention to idea #3.
3. Stop at 2 drinks. Yes, you're probably traveling to meet people, and part of that is going out to dinner and networking events, but it's that much harder to exercise and eat right -- and get adequate sleep -- when you're jet-lagged and hung over.
4. Restrain yourself at meals. I love steak and bacon, and if you're eating in restaurants for 3 meals a day, a day can easily feature both. But you might remind yourself that this is not your last meal. The fish and vegetarian options might be worth an occasional look as well.
5. Snack smart. Skip the soda -- it's worthless. If your food options are limited to convenience store fare, plain pretzels may be your best bet.
