Vacation Time! 7 Ways to Avoid Weight Gain This Holiday Season

Here a few ways to stay healthy without taking away the fun while on a vacation.

Vacation is a time to break free from the monotony of everyday existence, when you not only see new places and experience new things, but also try new foods and new drinks.

While the excitement is sky-high and you’re all set to head someplace new, spare a moment to think about what this might do for your health and your waistline.

There’s no reason why with due care, you can’t experience cool new foods while still staying healthy even on holiday!

Here are a few ways to stay healthy without killing the fun while on vacation.

Begin Your Day With a Healthy Breakfast

Since breakfast is the first meal of the day, it is best to start on a healthy note. Even if you wake up late, don’t wait to eat lunch directly and have some breakfast.

While the buffet spread in your hotel or resort may tempt you to indulge in oily or calorie-dense foods, restrict your temptation and make sure you get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Include fruit salad, fruit juices, oatmeal, smoothies, etc in your breakfast, and opt for lean protein foods like soy, beans, eggs and complex carbs such as oatmeal and lentils to get a great start to the day.

Eat Smaller Portions

Yes, you are on a vacation and want to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. That also includes enjoying the local foods of that particular destination and splurging on some incredible gastronomical adventures.

But indulge wisely, without guilt or going overboard. Enjoy the different preparations in smaller portions, thereby reducing the calorie intake.

Another interesting way to eat less is to use smaller plates and say no to a second serving. A win-win situation!

Take an Early Morning Walk

Nothing could be more serene and purifying than an early morning walk along a shore or amidst the hills and trees.

The fresh air and sunshine rejuvenates your mind and body, and keeps you healthy.

These days most hotels are equipped with a gym and a swimming pool. How about practicing a few easy-to-follow workouts such as leg presses, or some simple cardio, or just hit the pool?

All these can be great exercises to maintain good levels of fitness and flexibility.

Also, if your room offers breathtaking views, then it is a good idea to practice yoga/meditation surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Cut Down the Intake of Salt and Sugar

Reducing your salt and sugar intake can be a difficult task, especially on a vacation, but it is possible to cut back without feeling that you're missing out!

Cakes, chips, jellies, cookies, biscuits, and pies are all very tempting, but these foods greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity – and can be indulged in at home, in any case.

Try and control your cravings, rather than piling up extra kilos on a vacation.

Say No to Fried Foods

Overeating during your holidays or depending heavily on junk food items is a strict no-no during vacation.

One of the best ways to lower fat consumption is to switch from deep-fried foods to baked/steam food items.

Although fried foods, crusts, and creamy frosting look mouth-watering, they are heavy foods that tend to add inches to your waistline. Eat light and control your cravings.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

While you’re excited about your holiday and have made plans to roam around in the scorching heat, ensure you carry a bottle or two around. Always stay on top of the hydration regime.

Avoid aerated drinks and unsafe tap water. Don’t allow your holidays to get ruined by dehydration. 

Get Enough Sleep

The idea of a perfect vacation is to practice some self-care, relax, and unwind. While you want to make the most of your short trip by chilling on beaches, lighting up the dance floor, visiting casinos, and shopping till you drop, do not go overboard and stay awake all night.

This completely messes up your sleep cycle, which is very unhealthy. Additionally, it makes you feel hungry and tempts you to indulge in calorie-dense foods as a midnight snack.

Give your body sufficient sleep so that you feel fresh and energetic the next day, and have a more restful vacation.

(Sonia Narang is the Wellness Expert at Oriflame India. She writes and advises on health and nutrition. The views expressed above are the author’s own. FIT neither endorses nor is responsible for the same. )

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