It’s week six in the summer of healthy eating.
Summer vacation season is in full swing. This is your time to relax and have fun. Cruises and all inclusive resorts are great because they have it all. There’s food, unlimited drinks, endless loungers and even better lots of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you moving and entertained. This year plan a fun and active vacation with the right combination of activities and time to relax on the beach. Here are a few tips to consider.
- Be active. Balance your food intake with physical activity. Swim, dance and play to burn off the extra calories from that irresistible chocolate mousse.
- Take advantage of your surroundings. In Mexico you can take salsa lessons, hike through the jungle and explore the Mayan ruins by foot.
- Skip the shuttle. You can get to know the resort or your host city so much better on foot than via shuttle or cab.
When cruising through the buffet room, think of it this way…the staff has already done the grocery shopping and prepared a variety of foods for you to enjoy. Take advantage of the many healthy options available including a variety of fruits, veggies and nutritious entrees. There is always a fully stocked salad and fruit bar available to help you make healthy choices. And you can always ask for special requests.
Mealtime Tips:
- Start the day with a bowl of fruit. Sit and enjoy it. Next, go up for a veggie omelet with a side of roasted potatoes or your favorite carb. This meal is balanced and will give you the energy you need to get to lunch without weighing you down.
- At lunch, start with a salad. When it’s hot outside, a crisp, veggie salad helps to cool you down. Starting your meal with salad or fruit fills you up on fewer calories. Additionally, fruit helps keep you hydrated which is especially important when the weather is hot.
- Use calories wisely. Take advantage of the high quality protein available. Opt for lean protein choices such as chicken, fish, lean roast beef or even pork tenderloin. Protein satisfies a hearty appetite and can help keep hunger at bay, preventing you from going overboard.
- Because many of the scheduled activities occur during the day, you are more likely to overeat in the evenings. With this in mind, plan some of your activities after dinner. You can take in a show or play a game of mini golf or table tennis.
- At dinner, practice the same tips you’d follow at home. Eat slowly, savoring your food and socializing with your travel buddies. Start with a salad or soup for the appetizer. Choose an entree with plenty of vegetables and lean protein. You can even ask for double the veggies on the side.
- Share dessert with your dining companion or wait a couple hours and enjoy dessert later…maybe after a walk on the beach?
Of course, vacations are a time to relax and that means not obsessing over what and what not to eat. When selecting foods, moderation is the key. Be realistic and remember that it’s what you do on a regular basis that determines your ability to maintain lifelong health.
Have you been on vacation this year? Or are you going someplace fun? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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Photo courtesy roger4336 on flickr.
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