Eating healthy while on vacation
Let’s face it, going out to eat and enjoying new foods can be a highlight of a vacation. But sometimes, it can be stressful when you want to stick to healthy eating habits. Don’t miss out on everything your holidays have to offer. Check out these tips on how to embrace your health while enjoying your next trip.
Limit your treats to one per day
You want to enjoy the local cuisine, which can include desserts and sugary treats. Just stay focused on indulging in moderation. Limit yourself to one treat per day or opt for a healthier sweet treat like fresh local fruit when a craving strikes.
Pay attention to portions
When eating at restaurants, you are often served a huge portion of whatever meal you are about to enjoy. Remember – just because it was served to us, does not mean we have to eat the whole thing. Restaurant leftovers can make great snacks or lunches for the next day! Sharing several dishes is also a great way to sample different kinds of food without overindulging.
Learn to make healthier choices when reading a menu
Most restaurants offer healthier menu options, which means it’s up to us to make better choices. Here are a few healthier options to get you started:
- If you know you are going to be having a big supper, order a salad or soup for lunch.
- Ask if there’s an option to have your food grilled or baked, rather than fried or deep fried.
- Ask for sauce or dressing on the side, so you can control how much you want to eat.
- Try substituting a side of fries for a side salad, or a side of veggies.
Drink plenty of water
Having one glass of water with your meal is often not enough on vacation. Whether you are at the beach or walking through a theme park, keeping hydrated will help you to feel your best. If you don’t want to bring your own reusable water bottle from home, buy one early in the trip and keep it as a souvenir! Plus, sometimes when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually just thirsty. Sometimes those snack cravings actually mean we just need to re-hydrate.
Make homemade food fun
Instead of eating out at a restaurant for every meal, pack a picnic! Pick out your favourite sandwich ingredients with a side of fruit and veggies for a better alternative than eating processed food. Check out a local market for a taste of the local produce!
Ask yourself, would I eat this at home?
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the seemingly unlimited food choices, ask yourself, “Would I eat this at home.” It’s always nice to try new things and treat yourself on vacation but giving it a second thought might help influence a healthier choice.
Plan it out
Planning to make healthier choices doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. Head to the local grocery store and buy some healthy snacks to pack with you (like granola bars and veggie chips). You can always add “trying a healthy restaurant” as part of the plan for the day. It’s easy to go for the convenient option of grabbing whatever is closest when on vacation. But planning at least one healthy meal choice into your day can help you feel better about some of the other treats you want to enjoy.
Don’t forget to eat breakfast
Often on vacation we fall out of our regular routines. Remembering to fuel up for the day can help to start a day of good choices on the right track. If you don’t want to eat a formal breakfast every day, pick up some easy breakfast food that you can eat on the go, or before you head out for the day.
Remember: It’s all about balance! We all want to indulge a little when on vacation, but being mindful that we don’t do this with every meal will help ensure we are feeling our best to enjoy our time away.
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