Don’t Let Your Diet Go Up in the Air: How to Stay Healthy On Summer Vacation

With the warmer weather already upon us, there’s never been a better time to pack your bags and go on vacation. But the summer is also a popular time to achieve a better lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising. Although it may initially sound difficult, you can absolutely incorporate healthy habits into parts of your vacation. Here are four tips to help you stay healthy during summer vacations.

1. Pack Healthy Snacks

You wake up, load the car with your luggage, and rush to the airport. Right about the time you park the car, you realize you haven’t eaten anything, and your stomach is growling. One of the easiest ways to ruin healthy eating habits is to fill up on processed airport food, like a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon. To keep this from happening, make sure to pack healthy snacks. From prepackaged nuts to protein bars, bringing healthy snacks will give you sustained energy while away from home.

2. Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Sure, it’s nice to sip on a cold margarita while relaxing on the beach, but alcoholic beverages can be higher in calories. To keep your calories in check, ask the bartender to make you a lower-calorie cocktail. Trust us, you aren’t the only person seeking healthier options.

If you’re staying in a vacation home or at a place where you can supply your own food and beverages, read the labels to purchase lower-calorie choices. Another tip: alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water; not only will this fill you up, but it will also keep you hydrated.

3. Enjoy Scenic Workouts

Your resort or hotel might have its own on-site gym, but who wants to be stuck in a workout room on vacation? Definitely not you! Fortunately, you can take advantage of Mother Nature to keep yourself in shape. Before you head out for the trip, use Google to search for outdoor recreational hot spots in your vacation destination.

Make it a goal to pick at least one outdoor hot spot for each day of your trip and incorporate some type of exercise while you’re there. From hiking on trails in a nearby park to taking a brisk walk down the shore of the ocean, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while keeping your fitness goals top of mind.

4. Stay Hydrated and Get Plenty of Sleep

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but many people rush around with little time to relax. This is detrimental to your health as it adds stress to your body. Make it a point to squeeze in time to eat and sleep during your trip. Instead of planning your vacation so that you’re running from one attraction to the next around the clock, build in plenty of free time.

Aim to drink at least sixty-four ounces of water each day and to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. Staying hydrated and well-rested will not only help you return from vacation refreshed, but it will also help you to feel your best during your trip.

Don’t let a little vacation time prevent you from maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. Use these four tips to stay healthy on your next summer vacation.

Updated: 07/2022