If you’re convinced that eating right on vacation is about as likely as your teenager returning the car with a full tank of gas, I have some good news for you. With a little forethought and intention, you can sight see, dine out and create lasting memories without totally derailing your fitness program. Here are some simple tips to help you stay on track while you travel.

1. Pack Snacks: Apples, popcorn, carrots, grapes all travel well and with offer a healthier alternative to the amusement park funnel cake and fried Oreos. Doing so will leave a caloric reserve for you to have one sensible and fun indulgence per day.
2. Make Water Your Beverage of Choice: Make few exceptions. The sugar content of most sodas and sweet teas are simply insane and inconsistent with your goals. Just say no Joe.
3. Read Menu Before You Arrive: Waiting until you get there may cause you to make an emotional decision. Take 10 minutes to select a healthy choice that you will enjoy. Call the restaurant and see if they can make modifications or substitutions if necessary. Vegetarian is optimal. But if you must have meat, opt for fish, chicken or turkey OVER beef, pork, lamb or veal. Fried is never your friend neither is anything that is creamy.
4. Place Your Order First: You prepared and you came ready, knowing what you intend to order. But if you wait and listen to the rest of your friends and family order first, you will be tempted to go with the flow. We’ve all been there. But you are swimming upstream now and going against the tide. So be smart, order first and stay the course.
5. Keep the Bread in That Cute Little Basket: Better yet, ask them to hold the bread and the artery clogging butter that comes with it. Your family may grumble, but you all will be healthier for it.
6. Drink Water Before Dining Out: Doing so will give you a feeling of satiation and help minimize overeating.
7. Start with Salad: Salad is mostly water and very low in calories. Be sure to request a low fat dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette or low fat Italian. You will likely get full before you complete your meal which is ideal. Take your left overs back to the hotel to enjoy later.
8. Share Dessert: Given the massive size of most desserts at restaurants these days, sharing is the smartest way to go.

In addition to your eating, try to get some workouts in as well. If you are on your feet most of the day that is a low impact workout in itself. But if you are doing a lot of sitting on your vacation, try to make use of the hotel gym or take a long walk on the beach each morning. If you’d like to meet with a trainer virtually while away, call us 888-323-8677 ext 705.