How to Eat on Vacation

Most of us look forward to our vacations from life, work, responsibilities, etc. We spend months planning to find the perfect location, amazing hotel, and great restaurants. Many of us spend time dieting to get the perfect “beach body,” and we watch our intake for weeks. However, all that hard work often vanishes the second we arrive on our trip!

Vacations are meant to relaxing, fun, and decadent. You’ll often find huge buffet breakfasts, abundant lunches, and decadent dinners & desserts. And what is a vacation without a few drinks by the pool or beach? After a day of eating and drinking, the hotel gym is nothing but a pipedream. Often, we end a vacation a few pounds heavier than we started.

So, how can we keep lean and healthy on vacation? First, pack healthy snacks for the plane and to keep in the hotel. These include nuts, seeds, energy bars, protein powder, and fruit. Second, plan ahead. Pick a few days to exercise in the morning and choose one big splurge meal instead of eating crazy every night.

For breakfast, stay away from the bread and muffins. Instead, choose fresh fruit and eggs. Drink plenty of water at each meal and throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you are drinking alcoholic beverages. For lunch, choose salads with dressing on the side or lean protein or fish with vegetables. Try to avoid the bar food and French fries! At dinner, don’t order both an appetizer and entrée. Either get your own appetizer and split a main course with your partner or friend, or avoid the appetizer all together. Make sure foods are not fried or drenched in creamy, high caloric sauces. It is also important to avoid the bread basket! As far as dessert, pick two nights to splurge, and avoid sugar the rest of the trip. If there is a buffet, start with a plate full of salad first and then have protein and a vegetable.

It is possible to enjoy your food and keep your body trim. Just listen to your body and do not overeat, and remember to exercise and drink plenty of water. Eating healthy is a lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge within reason on your trip. Happy Holidays!

by Denise Groothuis MS RD CFMP