Moderate Not Miserable
I once heard a co-worker talk about how excited she was about her upcoming family vacation. The main attraction she beamed; the all you can eat fried seafood buffet.
How many times have you or someone you know purposely lost weight before vacation, only to go on holiday to deliberately gain it back? Some plan get-a-ways around local fare with the conscious intent to eat excessively.
By design, a vacation should be a time to relax with family and friends. When you return you should be rejuvenated and restored and better able to cope with the stress of life. When food becomes central to fun, there are natural consequences. The retreat to be refreshed turns into the added stress of unwanted pounds.
As summer approaches and you begin to plan your escape from the mundane, here are some tips on how to do it without substantial gains in the gut.
1. Choose to eat only two meals each day. It is likely you will be eating enough calories in those two meals to sustain you. Eat what you want, but avoid snacking in between. Vow to be moderate not miserable!
2. Drink lots of water, especially if you imbibe in spirits. Carry extra water bottles with you everywhere you go and stay hydrated all day. If you get hungry between meals, down twelve ounces of water before you impulsively grab a fatty snack.
3. Pack workout clothes. Even if you are not planning on exercising, bring proper attire just in case. Oftentimes hotels or resorts cater to fitness fanatics and have upscale gyms and spas that you may want to check out. If you are traveling with children, tennis and swimming are great ways to burn some extra calories.
4. Plan activities that require walking. Touring a historic town or visiting the zoo will keep you busy and active while enjoying the sights. Look for trails or parks and spend some time in the fresh air.
5. If you want to indulge in a sweet treat, make it a meal. Have a regulation sized banana split or other favorite dessert for lunch or dinner. The calories in a heavy dessert are likely equal to the calories in a regular meal.
6. Make the focus of your vacation something other than food. If you are on a boat, go to the shows. If you are at Disney, take in as many theme parks as you can. If you are at the beach, play in the surf and sand every day.
Getting away is a healthy way to manage the stress of life. Also, vacationing is an ideal way for families to spend quality time together that can only be achieved away from home.
Avoid the pitfalls of overeating during your vacation and instead use some restraint and arrive home refreshed and rejuvenated.
For comments or questions email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.