Going on vacation doesn’t have to mean laying around and being lazy…at least not completely lazy. Food choices don’t have to sabotage your diet either. You’ve probably worked hard to shed those extra pounds before your getaway, so why put it all back on in a handful of days that are supposed to be good for you. Check out these 4 tips on how to have a successful fitness vacation:
Airport No- Nos
With so much to do while preparing for your trip, it can be hard to find time to squeeze in a meal before you head out. It’s easy to grab something at the airport, sure. But it might not be so easy to grab something that won’t be near your max recommended caloric intake for the day. Make time to eat before you head to the airport so you don’t set the tone of your trip with unhealthy grab ‘n go airport options. You can also bring some healthy snacks with you to curb that hunger while travelling. Pack some of your favorite trail mix, nuts or seeds, jerky or fruit to help you get through the travel portion of your trip.
Unplug
The purpose of a vacation is to de-stress, unwind and rejuvenate yourself so you can be a better you once back to reality. Be sure to leave your work behind. We get that it can be hard to disconnect because of all of the technology available for you to stay connected. But downtime is a necessary part of your overall fitness. To minimize temptation, consider leaving your laptop behind, minimizing time on your phone and using your smartphone only for navigation or planning purposes. Work emails should be off-limits while you are away. Don’t dread a digital detox. Embrace it instead.
Stay Active
The Big Island has so many activities to offer making it pretty easy to stay active. Lounging on the beach of course is a wonderful respite, but experiencing activities unique to your travel destination is priceless…and will help keep your body in shape. Take long walks on the beach, or even better go for a jog. Hiking through ‘Akaka Falls State Park is not only a great way to stay active, but can take you to some of the most breathtaking views on the island. Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a fantastic way to stay active, learn about Hawaiian culture and explore the currently erupting Kilauea. Need more ideas to stay active on your Hawaiian summer vacation? Check out other great activities here.
Taste, but don’t gorge
Eating delicious food when traveling is a given. How can anyone travel and not indulge in the flavor of local cuisine? You would be missing out on a big part of the travel experience if you didn’t. But, believe it or not, you can enjoy local cuisine without growing your waistline. Spread out those calories and leave room for as many local dishes as possible by sharing your entree with someone you are traveling with. Cutting your meals in half and swapping with your partner allows you to go on a taste adventure without stuffing yourself. Also consider visiting local fresh food markets for some tasty yet healthier options.