thenextmile

It’s vacation season, and for many, it’s payoff for all those hard months spent in the gym and eating right.  But vacation can also be a gateway to falling off the fitness wagon.  But it doesn’t have to be that way, there are some simple things you can do to not only have a great time on vacation, but not fall totally off course with your health and fitness regimen.

First of all, you have to understand that even if you take a total break on vacation from working out and eating right; you’re not going to lose all the muscle and cardiovascular fitness which you have gained.  You may gain a couple pounds, but chances are, you’ll loose them once you get back home and get back to your regular routine.

When it comes to eating, Shannon Simmons who is a certified personal trainer believes that you can easily enjoy your vacation without indulging in every meal.  For instance, if you enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch, go ahead and order the nachos at dinner.  Just make sure your portions are sensible and you’re not eating so much that you make yourself sick.  Some great options for breakfast would be fruit and whole grain cereal or toast with peanut butter and some yogurt.  All these options are available at most hotels that serve a continental breakfast.  Just be sure to get a good dose of fiber and protein in the morning and it will keep you going until lunch without the bloated stomach feeling.

For lunch, load up on vegetables and lean protein.  Try a salad with grilled chicken or a vegetable burrito with beans.  You’ll stay satisfied until dinner, and by eating sensibly during the day, you won’t be over your calorie limit before you even reach the dinner table.  You’ll be able to enjoy dinner, and even have dessert without the guilt!

When it comes to exercise, don’t feel that you need to hit the hotel’s fitness center every day.  If you can, great, but look elsewhere to get your heart rate up.  Try hiking at a nearby park, or take a trip down the river in a canoe.  Enjoy a snorkeling adventure at the beach.  Any physical activity is healthy, even if you’re not sweating it out on the treadmill.  Plus, it’s good to change things up every now and then.   If you’re looking to do some strength and resistance training on vacation, look no further than your hotel room.  About.com offers some simple exercises that you can do in your pajamas.  And if you’re able to pack a resistance band in your suitcase, you’ll have even more options when it comes to strength exercises.

Just because you’re going on vacation, that doesn’t mean you have to blow your fitness routine to the wayside.  Vacation is about relaxing and taking some time off.  You might not lose weight on vacation, but you’re not going to lose your fitness level either. 

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