Photo: http://artfoodfriends.blogspot.com/2011/06/vacation.html
Are you flying the coop this summer? If yes, you join three quarters of the country. Americans are taking time off and heading to the beach this summer, http://newsroom.aaa.com/tag/summer-travel/.
Spending time at the beach or any vacation spot can set your weight goals back a few weeks easily. The downward spiral starts the minute you set out on your trip. Whether you are on a train, plane or in an automobile the ability to manage your food choices and your mentality to focus on eating as a priority goes right out the window.
Vacation is a time to relax and enjoy life. It is a break from responsibility and this is how it all starts. From the moment you leave the door and step into the car, you have left your troubles and your guard behind. Travelling does not have to make for a dieting disaster.
Food should always be part of any holiday vacation, or any business trip, it is not your enemy. Food is your friend as long as you manage it. Enjoy eating on your vacation, indulge a little but do not overindulge every day.
Knowing that there will be temptations once you get to wherever you are going, start your trip off on the right foot. Build your confidence from the start of your journey. Panic is a typical feeling that sets in before a trip because you know what temptations lie ahead. Start your getaway off right. Building your confidence to make better eating choices during your trip is important. Healthy convenience foods are just as easy to keep handy and eat as unhealthy choices.
Try these or think of your own creative ideas that will work for you:
- Trail mix or not (you must make your own, it is healthier and cost-effective) mix, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds and cashews or just eat each separately. Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans…) are great just stick with a 1-2 oz. portion so you do not eat too much.
- Jerky (organic is minimally processed), is convenient and there are a variety of flavors: there is beef, buffalo or turkey jerky
- Kale chips can set you back about $5-7 for a 2 serving size bag or you can make them yourself by drizzling some oil and garlic and baking them. Kale is loaded with nutrients (vitamins: K, A, C; minerals: iron and calcium; protein and fiber).
- Veggies are always a good idea. Keep it simple and enjoy: olives, cherry tomatoes, pickles, mushrooms, edamame, string beans, carrots and celery (best with a shmear of peanut butter).
If you can make a pit stop, most food stores, mini marts or restaurants will carry these so you do not have to pack food:
- Mozzarella sticks or any hard cheese
- Cottage cheese (snack size containers are available)
- Deli items (chicken/tuna/egg salad, sliced deli meat, cucumber and onion or tomato salad) Protein is always filling.
Having these types of options available during your trip may help minimize the results of potential indiscretions. Do not fool yourself into thinking “diet perfection” during your trip. Cheat sensibly. Drink your Daiquiri, have an ice cream cone but think of which healthy habits you will maintain during your stay away from home.
Eat up, make choices and enjoy your vacation!
