Tips to Avoid Vacation Weight Gain

With summer fast approaching, many people are trying to get fit in order to fit into that new swimsuit.  However, while the advent of summer can be a great motivator for those of us that need to shed those last few pounds, summer also holds a variety of pitfalls when it comes to staying fit.  Vacations, while incredibly relaxing, can be a real detriment to all that pre-summer hard work.  When it comes to maintaining that great body you’ve worked so hard to get, going on vacation can spell trouble.

In order to avoid excessive vacation weight gain, you need to think about a few things in advance when planning your trip.  Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll also need to keep in mind that though a little indulgence is warranted, vacations shouldn’t be an excuse to go hog-wild and let all your work fly out the window.

The first thing to remember when planning your trip is that, depending on how long you’ll be away for, you’ll need to keep active.  Although some lounging on the beach is certainly in order, finding ways to keep fit and get a little exercise should also be considered.

If you’re heading to a resort, ask in advance what sort of activities are offered and if the resort has a gym.  Scheduling in fitness well in advance will ensure that you don’t forego this important aspect of weight loss maintenance.

After finding out how you’ll keep up your activity level once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll also need to consider the journey there.  If you’re flying, then taking food along with you from home is an important way to go.  Airport and airplane food are not only known to be tasteless, but this type of to-go fare is also usually packed with calories.

Taking along a healthy meal for the flight can spare you the taste of the airplane food while also helping you stick to your diet.  Just think about the vacation photos that you’ll soon be posting on Facebook and this should help keep you motivated.  Is that hamburger and fries really worth the bloated belly you’ll be sporting in your pics?

Finally, vacations are often times for Pina Coladas and fruity drinks, but these are also loaded with sugar and calories.  Though unwinding with a nice cold drink in the hot sun is a terrific thought, try to keep these drinks to a minimum.  Not only will they dehydrate you, but they will also add a lot of extra calories.  If you want a little buzz but without the bulge, opt for a vodka soda or some other lower calorie drink. 

Vacations should be a time to relax and indulge a little, but just be sure not to overdo it.  Following a few of the above suggestions should allow you to unwind without totally undoing your diet.