It’s summer time which means it’s time for vacation! Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or adventuring in the mountains, vacations can be wonderful for our mental health. While you’re taking care of your mind, don’t forget to take care of your body too. Vacations can tempt the best of us with unhealthy meals, especially when you are eating out for every meal. Vacation can also lead to inactivity. While it’s okay to rest, we need to keep our bodies moving! Check out these tips for a healthy vacation.
If you’re going on a road trip…
- Pack healthy snacks for the car. Be prepared with healthy snacks instead of relying on rest stops along the way which often only provide fast food options.
- Reach for water. Stay hydrated on long trips by packing plenty of water. This will also curb the temptation to pick up a sugary sweetened beverage at a rest stop.
- Park and walk. It’s very likely that you will need to take a rest stop at some point in your trip. Instead of parking close to the building, park farther away and walk. The extra steps will add up and you will also feel more alert when getting back on the road. No caffeine needed!
If you’re staying at a resort or hotel…
- Choose a restaurant ahead of time by looking at the menu first to make sure they have healthy options.
- Avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants. Although they sound fun, you’re more like likely to eat more food and more calories than you need.
- Limit alcohol to one to two drinks per day.
- Indulge in exercise for dessert. A walk on the beach is a great follow up to a nice dinner!
If you’re renting a house or having a “staycation…”
- Plan simple meals using our free recipes. If you’re renting a house, you may not have access to all the kitchen items that you’re used to. Try planning ahead with simple meals that require few ingredients and/or little prep work.
- Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies for snacks. Just like at home, it’s great to have healthy snacks on hand for when you get hungry. Whole fruit such as apples, peaches, cherries or grapes are easy on the go. You can also cut up carrots, celery and cucumbers and dip in hummus for an easy snack.
- Scout out your local gym. Our every day lives don’t often allow for a lot of gym time, give your body some much needed exercise on vacation!
For more tips for staying healthy on vacation, visit www.heart.org/healthyforgood.