In the back of the freezer there may be a couple Christmas cookies so stale they look like Santa dropped them in the snow. For the most part though, all traces of fattening holiday treats are gone.
After dieting for months to lose the winter weight gain, it’s time to flaunt that bikini. But with vacations comes more social eating. There are ways you can maintain your healthy eating habits and stay in shape on a vacation despite the pressure to eat and vegetate.
Pack like a professional dieter
Just as Hollywood stars take their diets and exercise routines with them on the road, you can pack for success. Pack a heart-rate monitor, exercise bra, tennis shoes, jump rope, diet journal and tape measurer in your suitcase. Don’t take baggy clothes or your “fat clothes” so you don’t have any clothes you can spread out in if you overeat.
Include walking tours, hikes
Instead of taking bus tours, include walking tours in your itinerary. Look up the national and state parks so you can hike in nature. If you are visiting relatives, offer to walk their dog.
Don’t drink your calories
One easy way to cut calories while on vacation is to stick to tea, coffee or water with no sweetener. Using artificial sweeteners can increase your appetite, which only exacerbates the temptation to overeat on vacation.
Find a diet buddy
While on vacation, find a like-minded person who also wants to cut calories. Agree to split meals at restaurants or get up early to jog on the beach. Since you can’t take a doggy bag home when you are on vacation, order a smaller appetizer or soup and salad with dressing on the side.
Avoid food-centered vacations
It’s nearly impossible to stick to a diet while on a cruise unless it’s a health and fitness cruise for weight loss. Most cruises revolve around the midnight dessert parties, Lobster dinners and all-you-can-eat buffets. Choose vacations that revolve around activities such as swimming or kayaking.
Don’t eat for others
A lot of people feel pressure to overeat when they are on vacation because they don’t want to disappoint their friends or relatives. A lot of times it’s self-imposed pressure that’s all in your head. It’s not Christmas so you can’t blame your weight gain on Grandma pushing her sugar cookies on you.
More from this contributor:
Taming Diet Rebellion
Five Sneaky Ways To Maintain Your Weight Loss
Five Idiot-Proof Tips For Losing Weight On A Cruise