According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel spending hit a new pandemic high of $101 billion this past May. With more and more Americans growing comfortable with the idea of a vacation, plenty of us are making plans to hit the road this summer and beyond.
Of course, if you’ve been working toward specific health goals, a vacation might bring a different challenge for you. How do you stick to your plans when indulgences abound?
We’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at some key tips for staying healthy while traveling.
Plan Ahead for Healthy Eating
For most travelers, eating healthy is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to an upcoming trip. If you want to avoid derailing your progress, make sure to plan ahead.
Pack Your Own Snacks
If you’ve packed your own healthy favorites, it’ll be much easier to avoid temptation. This can be tricky if you’re wondering how to stay healthy while flying, but there are actually plenty of healthy foods you can keep in a carry-on.
Cook Your Own Meals When Possible
To keep your budget in check and cut down on impulsive food decisions, consider cooking your own meals! This may not be on the table for all travel adventures, but it’s a great excuse to shop for fruits and veggies at local grocery stores and farmer’s markets to create dishes you’ll love.
Be Intentional About Treats and Snacks
Half the fun of traveling is trying new treats, and you should let yourself do so! However, don’t give yourself free rein to indulge at every restaurant, and try to eat plenty of balanced meals as well.
Get Moving
Though you might want to lounge around on the beach all day, one key to travel weight loss is movement. Whether you stay in a hotel with a gym, walk around town, or swim in the pool, make sure to get moving!
Make Time for Sleep
If you’re the kind of person who’s tempted to make the most of every possible minute you’re in a new city, make sure you’re getting enough sleep as well! This is especially true if you’ve disrupted your circadian rhythm by crossing time zones. A lack of sleep can compromise your immune system, and it can make your so-called “vacation” exhausting.
Stay Hydrated
Another key tip for wellness while traveling is hydration. Water is crucial for your health if you spend your days running around, and it also helps regulate your appetite. When you fail to drink enough water, your body may interpret it as a cue to eat more food, so be sure to tote a water bottle around with you!
Don’t Stress Too Much
The truth is that there’s not much you can do to seriously derail your long-term health plans in a week or two. Practice discipline, but cut yourself some slack if you overindulge. As long as you get back to eating well once you get home, you’ll stay on track to achieve your goals.
Get Custom Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling
In addition to these general tips for staying healthy while traveling, don’t forget that our team can help you find custom solutions for your health goals!
If you’re looking for a medical approach to weight loss that works—during vacation and beyond—our expert team can help. Check out our approach to weight loss or contact us to learn what we can do for you.
