Losing weight is hard enough when you’re at home, and it can seem downright impossible while traveling. A vacation or business trip doesn’t mean you have to throw your diet out the window, though. Here are a few tips to help you lose weight and beat the post-vacation pounds.
1. Pack healthy snacks
Airline food isn’t known for being particularly tasty – or healthy. And while rushing to make a tight connection or waiting in the airport during a long layover, you might be tempted to grab a less-than-diet-friendly meal at a fast food joint. Set yourself up for weight loss success by packing healthy snacks, like protein bars, granola or a piece of fruit, in your carry-on.
2. Walk around
Not only are walking tours a great way to explore a destination, but they burn calories, too. Tour your destination by foot as much as possible to stay active and burn calories.
3. Indulge in moderation
You should absolutely sample the local cuisine, no matter how indulgent. The key to maintaining your diet is to balance heavy meals with lighter fare. If you’re planning on a large lunch or a heavy street food feast in the afternoon, start your day with a light breakfast. Have your eye on a decadent dessert? Order a light dinner and enjoy both in moderation.
4. Schedule fitness time
Schedule workouts into your travel itinerary to help set yourself up for success. If your hotel has a gym or offers fitness classes, be sure to take advantage of these amenities. If not, see if there’s a nearby park where you could go for a morning run. If you can’t work an hour into your mornings for a workout before touring the city, try to incorporate calorie-burning activities, like hiking or kayaking, into your itinerary.
5. Leave food behind
Consider this permission to not clean your plate. If you’re going to maintain a relatively healthy diet while traveling, remember you don’t always have to lick your plate clean. It’s okay if you don’t finish that massive portion of pasta or leave a few calories from that chocolate molten cake behind. If you can’t break the habit, order appetizers and split meals with your travel companions.
(Main image: Alan Cleaver)
