Summer is vacation time! Many people are asking, “How can I enjoy my vacation without sabotaging my efforts to eat healthy and feel energized? Here are a few strategies you can use to maintain your healthy lifestyle while out of your normal routine.
1. Bring Healthy Snacks. To the extent that it makes sense, pack your suitcase with healthy nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds are especially good for you); fresh and dried fruits (without added sugar); and bottled water so you have a healthy snack supply during your trip. Once you’re at your destination, find a local grocery store where you can replenish your supply so that you’re not tempted by the hotel mini bar or vending machines.
2. Ask how food is prepared and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Think Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally”. Ask your waiter, “Can I get that without the cream sauce?” or “Can I get the steamed vegetables instead of the french fries?” or even “Can I get the fried chicken salad without the fried chicken, cheese, ranch dressing and bacon bits, but with extra broccoli, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, and lemon juice instead?” Okay, the last one might be a little extreme, but the point is that restaurants will often times be flexible if you just ask for what you want.
3. LET GO! Enjoy the foods you choose to eat! No matter what foods you decide to eat while on vacation, eat without fear, worry or guilt. If you chose to make an unhealthy choice, then consciously enjoy that food and make your next choice a healthy one. The anxiety produced over unhealthy food chocies can be more damaging than the food itself. Express gratitude for the food you eat!
For more tips, or if you have “Healthy Travels” question, contact Barbara!
