The holiday season for many individuals entails traveling near and far to visit friends and family. Traveling can be exciting, but also exhausting and overwhelming. Being away from home can disrupt your typical routine and steer you off course from all those health goals you set at the beginning of the year.
Do you have an upcoming trip planned? Are you worried about how you are going to stay on track with your health and fitness goals while away from home? If you just raised your hand at home while reading this, then keep reading for some of my favorite tips to stay on track while traveling.
How to Keep Pursuing Your Health Goals While Traveling
- PREPARE AHEAD
Set yourself up for success by packing all the essentials needed for your workouts. For example, work out clothing, sneakers, headphones, and your favorite protein bars.
- DO YOUR RESEARCH
If you will have access to a kitchen while away from home, plan some meals to make ahead of time and hit the grocery store when you arrive. If you plan to do most of your eating out at restaurants, research some healthy options in the area. Another tip is to look up the menu ahead of time so that you can choose a healthy meal and not be at risk of over-ordering on the spot, especially if you’re hungry. Anyone else eat a whole basket of tortilla chips before your fajitas arrive at the table?!
- WORK OUT FIRST THING
Get your workout done in the morning. This will give you natural energy for the day ahead and will prevent you from focusing on making it to the gym all day. You are less likely to complete your workout as the day goes on. If you don’t have access to a gym, use your surroundings. Beach yoga is always a good excuse to wake up early!
- HYDRATE
Make sure you stay hydrated. If you are going to a place where you will be spending a lot of time in the sun, or are enjoying a cocktail (or two), it is easy for your body to become prone to dehydration. Start by drinking a glass first thing in the morning and carry a reusable water bottle with you. Staying hydrated will help prevent overeating, bloating and fatigue.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself!
Lastly, don’t overthink it! Make sure to enjoy yourself while you are traveling. You may only get to try that NY cheesecake your cousin has been raving about all year once, so let yourself enjoy the food and festivities. You can get back on track when you return home.
You can learn more about staying on track while traveling by visiting the AZ Dietitians blog, where you will find articles on eating healthy while traveling, 18 balanced snack ideas, staying hydrated, how to eat healthy at restaurants, and more.
Written by: Lexi Nazzaro, Dietetic Intern
Photo from @lexicolby_ by Lexi Nazzaro, Dietetic Intern
