Traveling and vacations do not have to mean weight gain, a realistic goal may be to maintain your weight. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your vacation without having to shed the extra weight when you get home.
You are on vacation, for heavens sake. It doesn’t make sense to deprive yourself of an enjoyable food; the trick is carrying “moderation” in your back pocket. Sample the delectable local flavors, but be sure you are enjoying and not feasting.
Long Road trips in a car can be brutal. Be sure to bring along healthy snacks like carrots, celery, 
hummus, berries, fruit, and nuts. Whole grain pretzels are good for quenching the salty/crunchy craving. To drink, bring plenty of water, and iced tea in an ice chest or cooler. When you stop, get out of the car and move around, go for a walk, hike up a hill – do something active to keep yourself awake and refreshed.
Walking Is Your Secret Weapon. When you are sightseeing, which usually means walking all day, every day, and this seems to offset any extra calories you might consume. So go ahead and take that stroll after dinner, swim in that beautiful hotel pool, take your kids up on that early morning hike!
Keep all systems going by drinking your daily water requirement. Traveling can dehydrate you, and so can being out in the sun more than your body is used to. Bring water everywhere you go.
The airplane ride: you can call ahead and order a special meal on most airlines. Try low fat, vegan, or vegetarian for something lighter and healthier. If your flight is not long enough for a served meal, then pack your own. Bring a whole wheat sandwich with lean meat loaded with veggies or buy a healthy salad in the airport (most airports now have healthy options available) and bring it with you onto the plane.
Cruise Ship: This is much harder as cruise ships are nearly a floating buffet. The best thing you can do is stick to the “MyPlate” strategy of filling half your plate with fruits and veggies while using the smallest plate available. Skip or share desserts and choose the healthiest option available like fresh fruit or sorbet.
Technology: There are a few apps out there that can point you to the healthiest chain restaurant available. Unfortunately, this won’t help you discover the local find. You can also use your app to keep up on what you are eating and how much activity you are including on your vacation. The goal is to come home feeling rested and healthy. Whole food and plenty of exercise and fresh air will do just that.
Shopping: if you are out shopping, hit the local farmers market or grocery store. This is an easy way to stock up on healthy foods to have on hand so you don’t opt for the higher fat, less healthy options you might encounter.
What are your suggestions for ways to eat whole, healthy foods on your vacation this summer?
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