courtesy of Casa Velas Hotel
Staying fit can often be a challenge when you’re on vacation. Traveling can bring about a variety of things that sway your loyalty to your diet and your workout routine, including the appetite for new and enticing foods, the thirst for locally made alcoholic beverages, the desire to relax and avoid exercise at all costs, and so on.
But there are a few key ways to help you keep your eye on the prize. Use these five helpful tips during your next vacation:
1. Eat breakfast in your hotel room.
Yes, even if the buffet downstairs is free, you should still try to eat breakfast in your room and use the provided amenities and features for your morning meal prep. For instance, if your hotel room offers a coffee maker, you can make yourself a hot cup of joe without the temptation of making it a large latte with extra whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. But more than that, you can also use that same coffee maker to steam up some hot water for some delicious and low-calorie instant oatmeal. You can also use your room’s mini refrigerator (if available) to store some of your own store-bought items, like fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt and many other healthy options.
2. Take advantage of the on-site fitness center.
It’s becoming pretty standard for hotels and resorts to have some type of fitness center or exercise room, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to stay physically active while traveling. Even if it’s a short walk on the treadmill, a few reps with weights, etc., getting in a little movement each day is a big part of staying in shape while the rest of your daily routine is being altered.
3. Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to flush out the toxins that build up in your body, which contributes to improved overall health in general. Plus, staying hydrated before eating also boosts your metabolism and can help you avoid overeating, as it tends to make you feel fuller. On the other end of the spectrum, drinking anything that dehydrates (i.e. caffeine, alcohol, milk, etc.) will slow down your metabolism and only adds more toxins to your system.
4. Tour the area by foot.
While getting a guided bus tour of the city you’re visiting can certainly be fun and informative, there’s just something about getting to see all the people, the culture and the action going on up close. The best part? Walking around the city will help you stay physically active and keep your metabolism up. Try carving out some time to tour the area by foot and your body will thank you for it later.
5. Relax.
Although it can be stressful trying to manage all of these things (your calorie intake, hydration level, exercise regimen, etc.), keep in mind that no one expects you to be perfect. The idea is to do the best that you can and not spiral out of control while you’re out of your normal routine. Taking time to relax is just as important as getting in a good workout. In fact, by not relaxing, you run the risk of overeating, getting sick, losing sleep and more—all of which can prevent you from staying in shape while you’re traveling.
courtesy of Michael de la Paz
When it comes to vacationing, all bets don’t have to be off in terms of your diet and exercise plans. Try out these simple tips and you’ll enjoy lasting benefits that go well beyond the length of your vacation. Additionally, you can enjoy even more travel resources from E-Z Rent-A-Car, including great discounts, travel-related blog articles, premium coupons and more.
