Lose Weight on Vacation

Can You Lose Weight on Vacation?

Sounds like an oxymoron when you mix the words losing weight with vacation doesn’t it? Most of us feel like we’ve gained a lot of weight after coming back from a trip, but what if we were to turn this upside down right on it’s head? Stay with me here as this article may get you to look at things in a different perspective when your on vacation…

Firstly, you are on vacation and you are supposed to be slowing down right? That is after all why you have gone away isn’t it? Well this may not be the case if you’ve gone to New York or Las Vegas, but the principles I’m about to talk about can still hold their value if you treat them with respect. Regardless of where you are, vacations are a great time to catch up on sleep and this can help greatly in reducing your stress levels. In fact, I’ve already talked about how reducing your stress can help you lose fat (read my article on Stress Relief and Exercise if you haven’t done so already). So definitely take advantage of this time to slow down and enjoy life…the result is that your body will also shed fat if you do so.

Secondly, this is the time when you get to be picky about your food. Usually at home you’re in a rush and have to make quick decisions on what to make based on what you have available. This excuse to not eat healthy is out the window while you are traveling because you get to chose from different restaurants/cafes and the foods they offer on their menu. [ad#ad-2]

Think this is still harder than it sounds? Ask the waiter to have the chef create something for you with the dressing and sauces on the side and substitute green salads and veggies for fries,potatoes, rice or bread. Choose foods that are grilled and indulge in at least one cheat meal where you really enjoy that food. Ask for lemon/limes and hot sauces to add flavour to your meals without the extra calories.

Be Smart, and plan ahead by asking your hotel or travel guide for their recommendations on healthy restaurants and cafes. They most likely will know the secret gems for best places to eat!

Finally, plan fun adventures that involve some kind of activity. It always amazes me when people go on vacation and don’t fully experience the new habitat they are in and all that it has to offer them! Try snorkeling, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, zip-lining, or skiing/snowtubing/snowshoeing in the winter, these are all really fun adventures that will get you burning calories without you even noticing it.

Some other quick tips:

• Pack healthy snacks. Bring along your own healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, whole-wheat crackers and nuts. Having your own snacks will help keep hunger at bay and ensure you make healthier choices.
• Indulge in a day at the spa and get a massage or any other treatment which really helps you fully relax.
• Don’t skip meals and snacks. Traveling can easily play havoc with your eating schedule, so try not to miss a meal. Again, pack snacks to bring along to keep your blood-sugar levels balanced.
• Bring your gym gear. Most hotels have a gym and/or pool, so take advantage. Or go explore outside and take a walk. In bad weather, you could always climb the hotel stairs or even exercise in your room by doing lunges, squats and pushups.

What do you think? Doable? I’d love to hear your thoughts below, especially if you have ideas for any other fun activities to do while traveling!