How to Eat Healthy on Vacation Without Feeling Like You're Missing Out
Vacations are supposed to be fun, relaxing and indulgent hiatuses away from our normal commutes and long workdays. So it can feel like you're missing out when it comes to eating healthy on vacation, especially when we're surrounded by new experiences and cuisines.
Although no one wants to watch what they eat while on vacation, going on an extreme diet right before the trip will probably lead to overindulgence during and even after the vacation, according to Refinery29. For the most part, your pants size and sense of guilt won't grow, as long as you're mindful while on vacation.
Read more: Is There Such a Thing as Healthy Fast Food? Here's the Truth About What You're Eating
Follow intuitive eating. Understanding when you're hungry and when you're not is important to prevent overeating. "Your body is really good at maintaining a stable weight, so if you listen to your hunger and satiety signals you should be fine," dietician Ellen Albertson told Refinery29. It may be helpful to start practicing this before your vacation and to carry it out long after.
Pack snacks. If you have a long day planned ahead, consider packing healthy snacks, such as fruit, in case hunger strikes. That way you avoid overeating at your next meal or grabbing a more convenient but also unhealthy snack, especially if you're at the airport.
Don't forget to share. Totally avoiding the treats and specialties abroad sounds like the recipe for a miserable time. So to stay healthy while on vacation, instead of restricting yourself to one single indulgence, try sharing .
Don't stress if you do want that cheesecake all to yourself. Maybe you don't want to share, because this extra-decadent dessert is going in your mouth right now. That is totally fine. Instead of feeling guilty about it, fully engage in enjoying this treat. "As soon as we tell ourselves 'don't eat this, don't eat this' is when we see people binge on something that they didn't really want because they denied themselves [the thing they did want]," Albertson said to Refinery29.
Don't skip breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day and that still applies while on your tropical vacation. Skipping breakfast could lead to overeating at lunch, holistic nutritionist Joanne Williams told the Daily Meal. She recommends fresh fruit, eggs and oatmeal.
Add veggies. At restaurants, consider occasionally swapping out fries or other sides for healthier veggies, Williams recommended.
Stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you on your journeys to stay properly hydrated, especially if you're traveling to a warmer climate. A 2015 study found that drinking water before eating truly does fill you up, so you subsequently eat less, according to Time.
