Headed off for vacation but not looking forward to packing on the pounds during your trip? You don’t have to! Whether you’re sailing the seas on a cruise, touring endless cities and museums, or spending your days relaxing on the beach, it is possible to fully enjoy your vacation without undoing your weight loss efforts. Read below for our top tips for maintaining your weight loss on vacation.
1. Plan ahead. While you’re mapping out excursions to take and popular restaurants eat at, start planning a tentative “loose” daily schedule with activity and meals penciled in. Will you have an opportunity to cook meals at where you’re staying and if yes, is there a local market nearby to pick up groceries? Will you be out walking most of the time or do you need to look up gyms at your hotel or nearby to get some exercise in? Acquainting yourself with your surroundings and getting an idea of what each day may look like will help you better plan for combatting those unwanted vacation pounds.
2. Don’t splurge on every meal. Yes, vacations are perfect for escaping the day-to-day routines and immersing yourself in the current surroundings and culture, which can oftentimes center around food. When I was in Italy, I knew I’d be eating pasta and gelato every day — that was a given. So to help avoid gaining 25 pounds and feeling bloated all the time, I planned to treat myself to one special meal per day and snack lightly the rest of the time. Not only was I able to fully enjoy and savor my cuisine each day, I actually ended up losing a few pounds while I was there! Tip: go to Rome in July and you’ll just sweat off all the food you eat (joke)!
If you’re on a cruise, those endless buffets and 5-course dinners are tempting, but how much can you really enjoy it if you’re indulging in every meal and then some? Put your stomach at ease and plan to go light at the buffet that day if you’re having a large dinner or vice versa if you’re splurging on the breakfast buffet. Another great option is to cook where you’re staying. Airbnbs and even some hotels will have a kitchenette, giving you more options when it comes to whipping up a healthy meal in the convenience of your own room.
And if it’s a must that you eat out for every meal, just take it slow and portion wisely! The more mindful you are of what and how you’re eating, the more likely you’ll actually enjoy it.
3. Moderate your drinking. This goes for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks because you know, calories and sugar. Whether you’re taking advantage of the “all-inclusive resort” perks during your stay or filling up your bottomless soda cup on the cruise ship, keep in mind that excess alcoholic and high-sugared drinks will likely leave you feeling bloated and sick, which is the last thing you want when you’re on vacation. Instead of making it an endless tasting all night long, limit yourself to one to two drinks max per day. So go ahead and sip your Mai Tai, taste the local wine, and treat yourself to flavored drinks…but in moderation. Your gut and the toilet will thank you later!
4. Get active. If you’re on vacation, chances are you’ve chosen a beautiful place to escape to and are surrounded by new sites to see. If you’re visiting a city, look up walking tours that are perfect for getting some exercise in while giving you an inside look into the city. Near a beach or a lake? Paddleboarding and kayaking will help burn off those vacation calories while you’re occupied with taking in the outdoor scenery. Traveling on a cruise ship or relaxing at a resort? Challenge yourself to take the stairs instead of the elevator and don’t forget the gym that’s free of charge (well, free of EXTRA charge). No matter your destination, there’s an opportunity to get active anywhere!
5. Fund your next vacation by starting a HealthyWager and get paid for getting healthy like these individuals did! The HealthyWager is the individual weight loss challenge customized to you, that provides fun and effective motivation for helping you implement and sustain healthy habits. It’s easy! You pick your weight loss goal, the timeframe you want to lose it in, and your prize (up to $10,000)! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win!!
