Eating Sensibly on Vacation

Anyone on a diet? Anyone worried that their upcoming vacation is going to completely blow the progress they have already made? Vacations have all of the ingredients to ruin a diet. Lots of fun foods, eating at strange hours, and some additional stress. To combat these challenges I've compiled a list to help keep the progress moving forward even on vacation!

1. Bring Your Water with You. If you are driving to your vacation destination, pack the bottled water. One of the biggest challenges I have had is keeping up with the water intake. However if you have the water on hand it is much easier to remember. If flying, stop at the store at your destination. Also pick up some fruit and veggies for snacks.

2. Pack a Snack Too. If you are out touring all day, pack a backpack with supplies including snacks. Great snacks include apples, oranges, 100 calorie packs, anything you would normally use on plan that is ok without refrigeration. Snacks are so important on vacation to keep your metabolism going and avoid the hungry, famished feeling that ends up in an end of day feeding frenzy.

3. Plan Your Meals. If possible plan your meals in advance at times you would normally eat. Planning also allows you to check out the menu to ensure there are some healthy options.

4. Plan a Cheat. You are on vacation and there will be lots of cheats to chose from. While you could stay on track and avoid all temptations, I have found it much more satisfying to stay on plan for the most part, but allow the occasional temptation. Knowing there is a special treat planned usually gives me additional motivation to be good for the rest of the trip.

5. Write it Down. If you are in the habit of keeping a food diary, keep it up even on vacation. Its amazing how keeping track of your eating, keeps you motivated.

6. Split a Meal. Oversized portions are a dieters nightmare. In addition to choosing veggies and fruits whenever possible, split meals to avoid overeating. Also if in a situation where eating a sandwich or burger, ditch the top bun to avoid too many starches.

7. Keep Moving. Walking all day in an amusement park is exercise (but doesn't quite justify the fudge brownie sundae), however if you can make it to the hotel gym or do a few laps around the resort its all the better.

8. Enjoy your vacation. Just as your diet is part of your normal life, it can also be part of your vacation without it being the only part of your vacation.

With a little upfront planning you can enjoy your time and feel great when you come back home knowing you are still on track!!