Summer – the time best known for Vacation and Bikini Bodies.
Wait, our goal here is not about how to transform into a zero size (not that I recommend it). But my main focus here is to talk about how most of us plan our vacations in summer – and what we can do to keep up with our fitness regime. Kids will be at home and we also need a break after two years of COVID times, right?
I hear you! – “How to manage my weight during a long vacation or frequent vacations” – you say??
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My top tip would be to have a goal to maintain the same fitness level rather than work on progress. And have a clear mindset of being active and eating mindfully.
Note that – despite all your efforts, there’s a good chance you’ll see slight variations in your numbers but that can be controlled once you are back to your fitness routine. Remember we are humans first and we WILL fall off the wagon sometimes – do not fret over it.
Ok, let us see what else we can do about your diet part.
For me, the following tips have proven to be most effective in maintaining my fitness levels during vacation and I hope they will work for you just as well!
Watch out for High Caloric Food
When you plan your meals, avoid buffets if possible. When you are in a surrounding with more options, you will tend to taste at least one piece in each variety that will end up in higher calories than ever during your diet.
Or else, if you must take the buffet route – go in the order of Fruits, Salads with Proteins, and then carbs at the end if only necessary. If you feel heavy by the next meal, by all means, avoid taking those or go for a salad plate.
Choose drinks mindfully
🍹 Opt for Lemon Soda, Diet Coke, or any Zero-Calorie food.
🍹 If you go for an alcoholic drink, choose Vodka with Soda, Wine, or Tequila with lime or Light Beer.
But be informed that – having alcohol will slow down your metabolism for the next two days.
How should you choose food in a restaurant if not a buffet?
👉🏼 Before you choose a restaurant, check their menu online and plan your remaining meals accordingly.
👉🏼 Always choose a plate with more protein and add salads.
👉🏼 Opt for Tandoori and Grilled options instead of fries.
👉🏼 Consume half of the portion of carbs on the menu or choose to avoid them.
👉🏼 I recommend – have soup with vegetables to curb those false hunger pangs.
Now that the diet part has been taken care of, may I also mention the physical activity? What? You thought it was out of schedule, didn’t you? 😉
Be active on your vacation 🚵🏽♂️
- Choose a vacation that has Trekking or Mountain Climbing at least once in the whole trip. This would be a great way to see your fitness level and burn more calories.
- If it is a Staycation or a rest day on your vacation, make sure you go walking twice a day and follow a bodyweight workout video.
- If it is a resort that you are choosing, use the Swimming Pool and burn some calories. You can try to do some aqua games with your family even though you don’t know how to swim.
These are all from my personal experiences – as I remember being anxious about food during my early days of the fitness journey. But keep in mind – you are going on a vacation to recharge your inner self. So have fun with your family and friends the most.
And remember, having food and drink are not the only way to create memories. It is just a part of the vacation.
Tag me when you go for your next vacation and let me know how this blog came in handy for you.
Photo by Chelsea Pridham on Unsplash
Photo by Mat Kilkeary on Unsplash
Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash