Vacations are wonderful! Well, they are wonderful experiences, but they aren't necessarily wonderful for your diet and exercise routine! Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you have to throw all caution to the wind and avoid all healthy habits. Here are 10 ways to remain healthy while enjoying your vacation!
1.Plenty of shots! No, we aren't taking about liquor! Depending on where you are going on vacation, your doctor may recommend you get travel immunizations. You may even be required to be vaccinated for certain diseases in order to visit certain countries, so it is a good idea to talk to your doctor first!
2.Be prepared. Make sure you research and learn about the place you will be traveling to. Not just the site seeing attractions, learn what you can about the local air and water quality and any other potential health hazards. Pack a first aid kit to bring with you while traveling and don't forget the sunscreen!
3.Prevent jetlag! Traveling to different time zones can cause serious jetlag, and who wants to start their vacation feeling tired all the time? To combat Jetlag you can try incrementally setting your clock earlier or later (depending on where you are travelling) during the week leading up to your trip. If you are traveling East, try to go to bed early on the first day, even if you aren't tired. Travelling West, stay up late that first night, don't go to bed too soon!
4.Walk around. In a new city? Walk instead of taking a cab! Walking is a great way to get exercise while seeing the sites. Not every destination on your agenda will require a car ride in order to get there. If your next destination is nearby, hoof it!
5.Drink plenty! Staying hydrated is important on vacation. If you are in a place where you cannot drink the local water, make sure you have plenty of bottled water with you. Especially if you plan to be in a rural location for most of the day and may not be where you can purchase any.
6.Easy on the booze! While it's important to stay hydrated, drinking alcoholic beverages won't help. Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause dehydration the more you drink. Even in places where it's safer to drink beer than the tap water (beer is boiled during the brewing process essentially pasteurizing the brew), bottled water is your best bet for hydration. Whenever drinking alcohol, drinking in moderation is recommended.
7.Eat local, eat healthy! Eating out and famous restaurants are a huge part of any vacation. But not every meal on your vacation has be a 1000 calorie carb overload! Maybe you have a few restaurants or menu items that you just have to try, but for your every day meals inbetween, try to stick to healthier options. The local region may offer fresh fruits and vegetables you can't get at home so try hitting up a local farmer's market if possible!
8.Get active! Not everyone wants to go to the gym while on vacation, but that doesn't mean you can't still get a good workout in. Plan activities that incorporate physical exercise. Thinks like hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, surfing, or snorkeling.
9.Wear sunscreen. We know you packed it, now don't forget to wear it! Sunburn is the number one vacation injury. Many vacation destinations are in warmer climate areas. If you are going to be out in the sun apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours!
10.Relax! Isn't that why you needed this vacation so bad in the first place? Yes, diet and exercise are important health factors, but don't discount the importance of mental health as well! Vacations can sometimes feel stressful trying to fit everything into a short trip. Don't forget to take some down time to meditate, clear your mind, and just relax!