Its summer time! Are you enjoying your long sunny days? Whether you are going on a vacation this summer or planning a staycation, it’s important to stay on track. You’ve been doing great so far, so why should a few weeks take you back to square one? Holidays are to enjoy but don’t overdo it, nor forget all the progress you have made. Indulge with smart choices and you can still enjoy the delights. Here are a few of my tips on how you can stay healthy on vacation.

First of all, plan, plan, and plan. Just like you made sure to plan your trip (where you gonna stay, whatcha gonna do etc.), plan how you are going to stay healthy on the trip. Let’s face it you need to be healthy so you can enjoy your vacation. It’s all about relaxing and taking a break, so make your health a priority. 

Now when it comes to planning you have to make sure you gather all the necessary tools, resources, and mindset. Below are few things that I like to consider when going on a trip.

1.Get fit before you travel.

2. Make homemade healthy snacks to take with you for the journey as well as for the duration of your trip. Snacks such as energy balls, granola, trail mix or nuts, oatmeal cookies, or even homemade muffins are better than reaching out for unhealthy snacks that will keep wanting you for more. 

3. Always carry a water bottle. It is important to stay hydrated and not reach for those sugary drinks. And it helps to keep your cravings in check too.

4. Begin your day with a balanced breakfast, one that will keep you full longer. Stay away from sugary cereals, white breads, bagels, chocolate spreads, orange juice etc that will mess with your blood sugar balance and make you hungry quicker.

5. Research about healthy restaurants or food options in the area you will be visiting. Check their menus and know where they are located. Make sure you have a variety of good quality food; ask for alternatives. Usually restaurants are very accommodating if you ask nicely. Skip the bread basket and enjoy the food that they have. Bread is bread so why waste your calories on it instead of enjoying the nice dishes they have to offer. 

6. Take your own teabags/coffee or variety of organic herbal teas. I like a strong cup of tea in the morning and I also like to wind down at the end of the day with my favorite herbal tea, so it feels like bringing a part of home on vacation. 

7. Make sure to get enough sleep. If you stay out late nights, on top of the jet lag, you can disrupt your sleep cycle and this in turn can mess up your hormone balance that keeps your hunger in check . 

8. Invest in footwear that is comfortable. Remember comfort is just as important, if not more, than style. You want to enjoy the trip and not have sore feet. The same goes for a comfortable outfit that can also protect you from the sun’s rays. 

9. Few slip-ups are OK. You’re on holiday, so you don’t have to be sooo strict on yourself. Remember it’s not everyday you’ll get the chance to try fish and chips in England, tagine in Morocco, or even your mother’s signature apple pie. Eat the foods you want, but in balance and moderation. Have that bite of cheesecake, but share the slice with your loved one. The more you share, the more variety of things you get to try !! Be smart about your indulgences.

10.  Relax and enjoy the trip instead of rushing to go sight seeing. Holidays are a time to sit back and relax; while sightseeing is enjoyable there might be little point in cramming everything at the cost of feeling drained. 

What are some of the things YOU do to stay healthy on vacation. Let me know in the comments below. Have a great summer everyone and stay healthy!