LOSING WEIGHT ON VACATION

Vacations may be a lot of fun, but for many people they also end up having an impact on their waistline as they throw caution to the wind and indulge in their favorite foods. However, by following some simple strategies, you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest and still avoid gaining weight and ruining your diet.

When you are planning your vacation and looking for a hotel, check to see whether the hotel amenities include a gym. Since the hotel gym is located right in the same building, you will rarely find a more convenient place to exercise, and if you take advantage of it, you may actually be able to lose weight by the time your vacation is over. Just don’t fall into the trap of looking for excuses to avoid hitting the gym in the first place.

When you get to the packing stage, make sure you pack your running shoes. Even if you don’t run, you can burn a large number of calories simply by walking around and exploring. This can also help you get to know your vacation spot better than you might have using only a car or public transportation to get around, and it can save you money on transportation costs, as well.

When walking around, be sure to bring healthy snack foods along with you, such as a “trail mix” of nuts, seeds and dried fruits, or a couple of high-protein meal-replacement bars. Also be sure to bring water with you to keep hydrated. By bringing snacks with you, you will be less tempted to nosh on junk food and drink high-calorie soft drinks to quench your hunger and thirst.

If your hotel offers complimentary continental breakfasts or free snacks, avoid the highest-calorie options, like pastries, and go for any fruit or salad options that may be available. If you’re lucky, the hotel may have bottled water and fruit that you can take with you for healthy snacks during the day.

Although many people tend to drink more than usual while on vacation, alcohol is high in calories and can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. In addition, drinking alcohol while eating has been shown to make your body more likely to store calories as body fat. A hangover, of course, can also make your vacation less enjoyable – you only have a limited amount of time, so don’t spend it lying in bed with the blinds drawn.

In addition, look for vacation activities that offer some physical exertion along with fun – if you are near the ocean, you may be able to surf or para-sail, and if not, there may be some good hiking or climbing activities available. The more active you are, the more fun you will have, and the more weight you will lose.