Holistic Nourishment

Pack On The Fun, Not The Pounds

Guest Post By Cole Millen

It can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet in general, and that difficulty tends to be compounded on vacation.  With temptations like in-flight snacking, minibar treats and restaurant foods many people return from amazing trips only to discover that they’ve gained five or ten pounds.  Vacation doesn’t have to mean unhealthy eating though, and with the proper planning and self-control anyone can eat healthy on the fly.

The airport can be full of unhealthy traps for unprepared travelers.  Don’t settle for the nearest bar or fast food joint; take a few minutes to search for healthier food options like salads or fruit.  Packing a light snack of dried fruits or nuts can also provide a healthy way to avoid temptations and fight cravings.  Additionally, take the opportunity to walk around the airport while waiting for connecting flights.  Even a small amount of exercise is a better alternative to sitting at the terminal, and it might even feel good to stretch your legs after a long flight.

Make sure to do your research before booking your vacation.  With a little bit of due-diligence, it can be easy to verify surrounding restaurants and health food stores before making hotel reservations.  With the proper research and planning, you’ll be able to better enjoy your vacation with the knowledge that you’re making healthy decisions. It is all about knowing the right places to look. Due to the misleading information of hotel websites I have turned to other travel reviews for help. On my most recent trip I traveled to Sin City and found a great site called Gogobot that had reviews from other travelers regarding everything imaginable. I pulled up a list of reviews for Las Vegas hotels ranging from their amenities, to the restaurants in the area, even to things to do. As you can imagine, this made it easier than ever to remain healthy regardless of my destination.

Upon arriving at your destination, it can be tempting to stay in your hotel room and raid the minibar or call for room service.  To avoid this sort of unhealthy trap, opt to leave the minibar key at the front desk and look for a healthy nearby restaurant instead.  Many hotels provide an in-room guide to local restaurants, or you can ask the front desk employee to point you in the direction of their personal favorite.  If you’re prone to late-night cravings, consider stocking up on healthy snacks from a nearby grocery or health food store.  In the morning be sure to take advantage of any free breakfast the hotel may offer, but mind your food selections; choose fresh fruit and oatmeal over sugary breakfast cereal to stay on track with your healthy eating.

Finding a healthy restaurant and choosing nutritious meals is one of the most important aspects of healthy vacation eating.  Look for restaurants with a wide array of menu items to provide a larger selection of healthy options; by looking up the menu online, you can ensure that a restaurant has what you’re looking for ahead of time.  Many restaurants have a section for healthy fare, but if not, opt for dishes that include the terms baked, broiled, grilled, roasted or steamed.  Avoid entrees with cheese, heavy sauces or batter, and don’t be afraid to make a special request if you see something you like.  Also, try to limit alcoholic drinks and desserts.  Vacation may be a time to splurge, but good food isn’t worth putting back on all those pounds you lost to look great for your trip.

Tags: healthy vacation, planning ahead, traveling