How To Avoid Weight Gain While On Vacation

When you go on vacation, you hope to return with nice memories and possibly a souvenir t-shirt. Unfortunately, something less pleasant may also follow you home. That's unwelcome weight gain.

According to a University of Georgia survey, more than 60% of Americans gain weight when on vacation. The average rise was nearly one pound.

That may not seem like much, but the consequences are cumulative. Because most adults fail to lose weight, you must double that one pound for each year of your working life. It's easy to see how this will lead to problems down the road.

While there are numerous temptations on vacation, there are also many strategies to deal with them. Learn how to return home as thin as you left.

Eating Habits to Avoid Vacation Weight Gain:

1. Bring some snacks. The majority of airport food is filling and pricey. Bring your own snacks or buy nuts, yogurt, and fruit. Check the airline's website to see if you can request a special meal that meets your dietary restrictions for long trips.

2. Make a menu plan. Investigate your options online so that you can make healthy decisions. Perhaps you'll want to splurge on a few exceptional evenings and spend the rest of your time at restaurants with lighter items on the menu. 

3. Keep track of your servings. In many places, the serving portions are enormous. Share a meal with your traveling companions. Bring leftovers back to your hotel room and store them in the refrigerator for breakfast.

4. Look through the buffet. How about those massive trays of fried chicken and all-you-can-eat signs? You'll probably consume fewer calories if you take a thorough tour before finalizing your decisions. It also helps to start with a salad.

5. Prepare your own food. Consider a vacation rental with a kitchen or hotels and motels with microwaves and other equipment in the rooms.

6. Start eating early. Many studies have shown that eating the majority of your calories early in the day can help you lose weight. Eat substantial breakfasts and avoid snacking after dinner.

7. Consume alcohol in moderation. Many folks consume more alcohol while on vacation. A glass of wine contains roughly 100 calories. A pina colada has more sugar and calories than a half dozen donuts. Drink water instead of cocktails to stay hydrated.

Another Way to Prevent Vacation Weight Gain:

1. Maintain an active lifestyle. Find alternate methods to be active while you're not doing your typical routine. Choose hotels with fitness centers or go for a run in a nearby park. Take a walking tour or do your own sightseeing on foot.

2. Get enough rest. Too many late nights can upset your hormone levels and cause weight gain. Stick to your bedtime and get up as early as possible.

3. Share support. If you're traveling with family and friends, they might want to join you in your efforts to stay active. Encourage one another to eat healthy and exercise.

4. It's normal for your weight to fluctuate by five pounds or more over the course of a week, so utilizing the scale on a short vacation may be misleading. On the other hand, knowing your weight before you leave and after you return is beneficial.

5. Be relaxed. If you are overly rigorous with yourself, you may miss out on opportunities to relax and have fun. Find a balance that works for you.

Whatever you do, make the most of your vacation time. They are necessary for your mental well-being. With a little forethought and self-awareness, you may enjoy your vacation without gaining weight.