6 Easy Ways to Avoid Weight Gain on Vacation
June 07, 2012; 9:25 AM
myOptumHealth.com
Vacations can be wonderful, but not the extra weight that you sometimes bring home with you.
Worrying about weight creep can be stressful when you're supposed to be having fun and relaxing. If you follow some simple advice, though, you can have your cake and enjoy your vacation, too. Aim for maintenance by following these simple tips.
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1. Get moving. The best way to keep your weight in check is to get as much exercise as you can. Walk the golf course or safe city streets, play basketball, swim, kayak, rent bikes, or play tennis. If your vacation does not have exercise built into it, look into hotels that offer gyms, which are usually open from early morning through late evening. Talk to your doctor, though, before you increase your activity level.
Photo courtesy of Anomalily
2. Do the balancing act. On vacation, let some meals have priority over others. For instance, maybe the hotel hosts a great brunch. You may want to indulge a little there, but then be sure you make conservative choices the rest of the day. Perhaps a highly recommended restaurant serves a world-famous creamy chowder. Even though it's a high-fat item, you can make the choice to have it and lay off a heavy entree and/or dessert. The bottom line? Balance your daily options, try not to waste calories on something you can easily get at home, and don't feel guilty for the occasional treat or indulgence. It's just one part of your day's total calories.