The week of vacation brings travel plans, relaxation, or visiting. Are you afraid of getting lost in the multitude of foods surrounding you? Well-deserved vacations can shift our mindset towards a "carefree" attitude, a certain disregard for caring about our habits due to the desire to disconnect from daily life, stress, and work.
For some people, this can create anxiety: a fear of losing good eating habits, deviating from the progress made, and having to start all over again after the vacation. This is the perfect time to discuss with your nutritionist. They will support you in making food choices throughout your vacation and work with you to overcome obstacles. Here are 5 tips to eat well while on vacation:
1. Maintain a Routine for Meals and Snacks at Regular Times
Being busy with activities and having a great time, it's very easy to forget to eat and skip meals while traveling. Solution: always keep quick snacks in your bag, such as a mix of nuts and dried fruits or bars (e.g., Kashi, Cliff), to sustain you until your next meal.
2. Stay Hydrated at All Times
Especially if you're in hot weather or expending a lot of energy, staying hydrated is crucial. Thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so it's important to stay hydrated to differentiate the signals your body sends. Solution: always carry a reusable water bottle with you that you can refill as needed. You can also make it special by adding flavour to your water!
3. Don't Arrive at Restaurants Starving
Vacations usually involve more restaurant visits than usual. However, we have less control over the quality of dishes at restaurants. Additionally, portions are often larger to cater to the majority of people. Result: if you arrive famished, the chances of overeating are higher than usual. Solution: eat regular snacks to reduce your level of hunger when mealtime comes.
4. Listen to Your Appetite
While on vacation, you'll likely taste delicious new recipes. Solution: take the time to savour and enjoy them without feeling overly full. Listen to your appetite carefully. When you're no longer hungry, stop eating. Don't be afraid of missing out. You can return to it the next day to enjoy it again. You can always take the leftovers with you, which will make an excellent snack later on.
5. Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
We're on vacation and want to make the most of it without going overboard. It's essential to be reasonable with alcohol and sugary drinks. Solution: set limits. Determine a certain amount per day and try different flavours the following day.
By following these tips, you can fully enjoy your vacation while maintaining a balanced diet. Remember that vacations should not be an excuse to completely abandon your good eating habits. It's possible to indulge while taking care of your health.
By planning and preparing healthy snacks to take along, you'll avoid cravings and impulsive unhealthy food choices. Always keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. When dining out, choose balanced dishes and listen to your body's signals to know when you're satisfied.
Additionally, savour each bite by taking the time to enjoy your meals. This will help you feel satisfied more quickly and avoid overeating. Remember to listen to yourself and respect your appetite.
Regarding alcoholic beverages, set limits to avoid excessive consumption. Opt for healthier alternatives, such as refreshing non-alcoholic drinks or low-sugar beverages.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your vacation while maintaining a balanced diet. Remember that balance is key, and it's entirely possible to indulge while taking care of your health.
Take care of yourself and enjoy your vacation with serenity!
