Planning Your Travel Itinerary: Don't Forget Healthy Eating!
By Cole Millen
There are times when I will open my blog up to guest bloggers. Today's guest is Cole Millen. He's offering some great advice on traveling and healthy eating. Just in time for our summer vacations!
Going on vacation shouldn't mean
taking a holiday from the healthy habits you follow year round. You've managed
to fit in those shorts and that new bathing suit. Don't blow it by pigging out during
your trip. Make sensible choices, enjoy yourself, and maintain good eating
practices along the way. You'll thank yourself when you get back home and your
clothes still fit!
On the Road or In the Air
No
matter how you travel, remember the boy scouts' motto and be prepared. Eat a
decent meal before departure so you're not starving. If you end up hungry, you're more likely to start snacking. Pack healthy
snacks that are low in calorie and good for you. You'll save money, rather
than stopping on the road or buying from a vending machine. If you're headed to
the airport or some sort of depot, park a good distance away and get some extra
walking in. While waiting to depart, stay on the move. If you do have to eat
during a layover, make good choices, such as salad, yogurt, poultry, and fish.
Location, Location, Location
It begins with choosing wisely
when you scope out your lodging. Find a hotel or resort that promotes health
and fitness. Many locations have beautiful grounds where you can enjoy a stroll
throughout the day. If you're in a tourist area, plan on expanding your travels
on foot through nearby streets or by the shore. When it comes to the hotel
itself, choose a place that has a pool and exercise room. Take advantage of
fitness classes or go online and bring a fitness trainer into your room via the
Internet! When it comes to meal choices, inquire before you make a reservation.
Find out about healthy options that are offered by the hotel. Often times all
of these things can be difficult to determine prior to arrival. I have found
that consumer reviews are the best way to determine the actual amenities and
offerings each hotel provides for your healthy lifestyle. In my most recent
trip I found a great site that had a list of hotels in Las Vegas along
with a number of reviews regarding amenities, restaurants, things to do, and
much more. They provided unbiased and honest information that ultimately led to
me finding a great hotel with a fitness center as well as a gluten free
restaurant within. A little research goes a long way so look for reviews such
as these to help.
Upon Arrival
Once you get to your hotel, don't
graze at the mini bar. Drop your bags and head out to explore. If you plan on
eating out, see if there is a place within walking distance. You'll walk off
some calories on the way home! Inquire about the local supermarket and stock
your refrigerator with fruit, veggies, yogurt, and low fat or nonfat milk. Plan
on drinking plenty of water and skip the alcoholic beverages that are high in
calorie. If you decide to have a drink, stick with a rule of one. If you have a
continental breakfast at the hotel, choose the whole grain bread and cereals.
Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit are excellent alternatives for breakfast. Stay away
from fats and starchy foods.
Dining Out
Ask about restaurants at the front
desk. Chances are, you'll be able to see the menus ahead of time. Choose restaurants
that have healthy
options. Your best bet is to go with salads, lean proteins, and low-fat
dairy. You can always look for a light menu. If you order only to find out you
have too much food, ask for a take-out container and save it for later.
While these tips may seem very
simple they are often overlooked. I guarantee if you can follow these steps you
will find yourself coming home in just as good of shape as you left!
