WITH the year-end holidays fast approaching, it is time to unwind, kick back, and take a pause from our daily activities. It is also an opportunity to visit unfamiliar places near and far.
When we vacation, we want to not only take in new sights but enjoy
new foods as well. Who doesn't love trying local delicacies and taking a pause from our everyday diet?
Going on vacation doesn't mean you have to forgo good nutrition. You can travel, eat healthily, explore novel areas, and still indulge in occasional treats by following these simple suggestions.
Drink Right
Avoid the temptation to go overboard with sweet drinks during the festive and holiday season or while travelling. Stay hydrated with water, plain tea or mineral water. Hydration is critical to replenish water expelled by sweating and helps prevent overheating too.
Snack Smart
When you spend the day walking around the city or at an amusement park, you're likely to encounter plenty of tempting snacks and street foods. But many snack foods are loaded with calories, so try to limit yourself to just a bite or two and share with your friends and family. You'll be less tempted if you're not too hungry, so before you head out for the day, have a protein-packed breakfast and carry some healthy snacks with you – such as protein bars, nuts or fruit.
Keep Moving
Holidays often mean sitting by a lake, pool or ocean. While you should relax and spend time reading or gazing at the scenery, vacation does not mean you have to forgo your regular exercise. Bring your workout sneakers or swimsuit so you can take advantage of the hotel gym or pool. Some resorts even offer group exercise classes - from yoga to water aerobics - as a fun way to get your body moving.
Track your daily steps and walk to the local sites if you can. Some local gyms allow you to join for a week or two, and many community centres offer workout sessions.
Go for the Greens
Rather than digging into bread and butter or fried appetisers, begin each meal with something green. Salads and vegetable dishes are a great way to fill up on healthy food before diving into other options. Try to make 50 per cent of your meal veggies, which allows you to sample local delicacies while adhering to a "better-for-you" diet.
Sleep Well
While the fantasy of travel has us imagining the comfiest bed in the world in a gorgeous hotel room, it might also mean camping on a leaky air mattress or sleeping in a room with paper-thin walls.
Research has shown a correlation between lack of sleep and overeating - when we get overly tired, we sometimes use food (and not always healthy food) in an attempt to boost energy levels.
Travel, especially to different time zones, disrupts our standard sleep patterns. As much as possible, try to keep to your usual bedtime and try to wake up at your usual time, too.
Use an eye mask to darken your environment and ear plugs to reduce noise. And when you head to breakfast in the morning bleary-eyed, skip
the sugary, refined carbs in the form of waffles and breakfast pastries. Instead, start hydrating with water, plain coffee or tea, and seek out healthy proteins such as eggs or yoghurt.
*The writer is senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition.
