It’s holiday season, which means it’s the most popular time of the year to head overseas for some well overdue R&R. But, vacations normally mean delicious food, cocktails, naps and a whole lot of lazing by the pool. So, it can be really easy to let your diet and fitness routine spiral out of control. ‘Many people gain weight during the holiday period as people often make holidays an excuse to overindulge. Often people tend to drink more, eat more and exercise less leading to weight gain,’ says Nutritional Medicine Practitioner Fiona Tuck. Thankfully, she’s generously shared some of her best advice on how to stay healthy without compromising your getaway fun.
– Family road trip
Hitting the highway with the family is a great way to spend your time off, but it can be very hard to find fresh, healthy food on the road. ‘Take pre packed healthy snacks and lunches to avoid only being able to eat hot chips and pies at the servo. Carrot and cucumber sticks, crackers and dips, fresh fruit are good healthy snacks,’ Fiona recommends.
– Boozy holiday with the girls
Holidaying with a bunch of your closest girlfriends can often mean a few too many cocktails by the pool, wreaking havoc on your normally healthy routine. ‘Have a rule when to start and stop drinking, for example no alcohol before 5pm or after 11pm,’ advises Fiona. ‘Alternate drinking with a glass of water and be mindful of drink top ups as this is the easiest way to lose track of how much you are drinking,’ she also recommends.
– Camping trip
Camping commonly means eating canned food like baked beans for convenience and practicality, but tinned food is almost always packed with sodium and preservatives. ‘Take some pantry staples such as tins of tuna and brown rice so you don’t have to rely on the supplies at the local village store,’ says Fiona.
– Lengthy airport stopover
Long layovers often result in duty free shopping stints or long meals to fill the time until your next flight. However, Fiona recommends using the time more productively, ‘Find a quiet space to do some stretches or even yoga to get the circulation pumping. Some airports are even introducing yoga lounges so do your research before you leave.’
– Holiday cruise
All inclusive cruises can be ultra luxurious, and with so much food and alcohol constantly on offer, it can be so easy to overindulge. ‘Be wary of all you can eat buffets, fill your plate will lots of veggies and have a little bit of what you fancy but avoid going back for seconds.’ She also recommends making the most of the cruises exercise facilities. ‘Stick to a routine and allow certain times of the day for daily exercise whether that be the gym, exercise class or a yoga session.’
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