It’s vacation time…
a time to gather with family and friends
a time for a change of scenery – beach, lake, mountains, another city, another country
a time to relax and unwind
a time for expanded waistlines — wait – what?
Yes, it’s that time of year when you’re away from your normal routine.
You’re taking a break in a location away from home.
If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s no kitchen, and you dine out for every meal.
If you rent a place with family and friends, everyone tends to bring tempting sweet and savory snacks.
How can you not expand your waistline?
Follow these seven tips to avoid overeating.
1- Pack healthy snacks
If you pack healthy snacks, you’ll avoid the temptation to buy junk food.
Try packing nuts, raisins, cherries, grapes, sunflower seeds – anything natural – into easy-to-reach containers.
2- Stay hydrated
Often, you may feel hungry when you’re really dehydrated.
By sipping water throughout the day, you’ll avoid feeling hungry, which can trigger you to snack.
If you’re consuming alcohol, drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
3- Avoid mindless snacking
Usually when we socialize during vacation, it’s near a table filled with sweet and savory snacks.
Relocate your conversations away from nearby snacks.
If it seems impossible to do that, keep sipping from a large tumbler of ice-cold water.
4- Look at online menu before dining out
Before going to a restaurant, look at the menu online and choose a healthy meal option.
When at the restaurant, do not look at the menu again.
In this way, you’re not tempted to switch to an unhealthy option.
5- Increase physical activity
Find ways to increase physical activity during the day.
Go for a long walk or run.
Rent a bike and explore the area.
Swim laps in the pool.
Be creative in ways to increase your physical activity.
6- Strength train
Use the hotel’s fitness center or a nearby facility for strength training.
Even if you do only 15 minutes of strength training every other day, you’re building foundational strength, boosting your daily metabolism, and supporting joint health.
An easy way to improve functional fitness and energy levels.
7- Pack fitted clothing
Pack clothes that won’t fit if you gain a few pounds.
This tip will keep you mindful of what you’re eating and how much.
While vacation is a great way to take a break from your normal routine, gaining a few pounds can be difficult to lose when you return to reality.
Watch what you eat and how much you eat.
When it comes to food, avoid saying “…but I’m on vacation.”
Challenge yourself to return home with the same weight (or less).
(Update to original post from June 9, 2023)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”