Staying healthy while traveling — especially during the holidays — can be a challenge. There will be so much delicious food (read: cookies) to try, and why not — you’re on vacation, after all!
Eating poorly on the road can quickly catch up to you, though. To avoid the negative effects of holiday-travel eating, here are some easy ways to fight back before New Year.
Bring your own food
If you are lucky enough to not be staying with family, be sure to stock the mini-fridge in your hotel room. And, just get the foods you would normally eat at home. The convenience of having those foods close will make it so much easier to stay on track.
Don’t forget to drink water
Staying hydrated is difficult when you’re outside your normal routine. The combination of not drinking enough water and new environments can be a double whammy for your immune system. Keep your water intake on track throughout the day to stay healthy on the road.
Look at restaurant menus ahead of time and choose healthy options
If you are going out, be sure to check out the menu ahead of time. When you arrive in a healthy mindset, you may be more likely to make a better choice. Then, when you get to the restaurant, you won’t be tempted because your mind will have already been made up.
Avoid the hotel bar
Listen, I get it. But, an easy way to cut out temptation is just not to go.
Pack (healthy) snacks
Healthy snacks such as protein bars or trail mix will keep your metabolism up while on a long flight or drive, and will make buying unhealthy snacks seem less appealing.
Choose one cheat meal per day
Don’t let your diet go down the drain completely. Choosing one meal each day as a freebie is enough. You can still enjoy a great new restaurant while keeping your diet in check the rest of the day.
This may not keep all the holiday pounds away, but it could save a few that you won’t have to lose in the new year.
