How to Stay Healthy On Vacation with Kids
Ladies, we all know the struggle. You've been working hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but now you're about to head off on vacation. You're excited for the break, but anxious about maintaining your wellness routine.
The good news? It's completely possible to have a blast on vacation and still prioritize your health. In fact, I'm going to share 15 tips and hacks to help you do just that.
I thought this was the perfect time to write up this blog article because in just a few short weeks from now, we'll be packing up and hitting the road for a fun-filled family vacation in Charleston! Everyone's buzzing with excitement, especially my two little adventurers, Emmett and Ira. They are so excited to have beach days for a week straight (and for the ice cream dates as we promised to them haha).
Even though we're taking a break from our usual routine, we're big believers in the importance of sticking to those daily habits that keep us feeling our best.
We love living a healthy lifestyle and we're not about to let a change of scenery change that. Sure, we're definitely going to treat ourselves to some local delicacies and vacation goodies—but we also know that feeling our best means we can enjoy our adventures even more.
At the end of the day, it's all about finding that perfect balance and making choices that make us feel good. Because we know that when we're healthy, we're happy—and there's nothing better than a happy family vacation!
Why It's Important to Stay Healthy on Vacation
First, let's talk about why it's so important to stay healthy while on vacation. It's not just about maintaining your weight or sticking to your diet. It's about feeling your best, even when you're away from home. When you prioritize your health on vacation, you're more likely to feel energized and avoid common travel-related issues like constipation. Trust me, nothing spoils a vacation faster than feeling sluggish and uncomfortable!
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15 Tips to Stay Healthy on Vacation
So, how can you stay healthy on vacation? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
Plan Ahead
Before we set off on our adventure, find some health-friendly restaurants near your holiday destination. Apps like HappyCow or literally Google are your best friends here, they'll help you find places with nutritious choices. What I do is type in “healthy restuarant near {your vacation city}. I keep a list of places and their menu URL in my notes section on my phone. This way it’s super easy to pop that up and pick a lunch spot or dinner option!
For the travel to your vacation hotspot, don’t forget to pack some yummy organic snacks in your travel bag. They'll come in handy during those long trips or when healthy bites are hard to find. For the car ride, I will be packing healthy sandwiches, washed up fruits and veggies, meat sticks like Epic and Chomps sticks. If we find a healthy pit spot, awesome, if not, we don’t have a crew of hangry people in the car lol.Refillable Water Bottles with LMNT Electrolytes
Dehydration can make us feel tired and could lead to other health problems. So, make sure you keep your fluid intake up while traveling. Carry a refillable water bottle like Hydro Flask and remember to refill it throughout the day. Packing electrolyte packets such as LMNT will help you replace the salts and minerals we lose through sweating and fight off dehydration effectively.
Get Moving
Let's mix sightseeing with some physical activity. Apps like AllTrails can help you find local walking routes or hiking trails near our destination. This will not only keep you in shape but also give us a unique view of the area. We could also try out local fitness classes. When our fam is on vacation, we walk everywhere! You find so many special hidden gems when you’re traveling on foot plus you get some exercise in!
Portion Control is Key
Let's relish the local cuisine and discover new flavors, but at the same time, let's keep an eye on our portion sizes. Using smaller plates at meals will let us enjoy a variety of dishes without overdoing it and feeling so stinking full that we just want to crash! Sometimes we will hit up a couple restaurants but just share a meal so we can try as many things as possible!
Don't Forget to Eat
ON the other side, traveling might throw you off your usual routine, but that doesn't mean you should miss meals. This will help keep your metabolism stable. If you won’t have a chance to eat for a little due to traveling and checking in to your place, you can pack some organic Orgain protein powder you can mix with water for those jam-packed travel days to hold you over.
Make Sleep a Top Priority
Sleep is super important for maintaining a balanced metabolism and feeling great (especially us mamas on vacay). Make sure you're getting a good night's sleep by using helpful items like a silky sleep eye mask or earplugs for blocking out any noises. And don't forget to consider a natural sleep aid like Gut Personal's Magnesium Powder Supplement (strawberry flavor), which works wonders for restful sleep. And mama’s, let’s get to bed at a recent time because you know dang well if you have littles, they will be up at sunrise ready to go for the day.
Be Mindful of Alcohol
While it's totally fine to savor a glass of wine or a cocktail, it's a good idea to keep your alcohol intake in check. You could try a white wine spritzer or mix your wine with a bubbly LaCroix sparkling water to cut back on the alcohol content. Not only does this help reduce calorie intake, but it also helps prevent dehydration and keeps you feeling refreshed.
Pick Healthy Snacks
It's always a good move to have healthy food choices at hand. Why not pack a travel-friendly bag full of organic veggies and fruits. You can pair your veggies with yummy dips like Hummus or Almond Butter for a nutritious, protein-packed snack that'll keep your energy levels up during your journey.
Keep Moving
Staying active even while traveling is key. Make the most of hotel amenities like the gym or swimming pool for your daily workouts. You might also want to bring along lightweight, portable fitness gear like the Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands. These not just keep you fit, but also help fight off jet lag and boost your energy levels.
Eat Mindfully
Instead of just munching away, pay attention to your fullness cues. Be aware of portion sizes, take time to enjoy your food, and steer clear of mindless snacking. Don’t be stocking your hotel or rental with bags of lay chips and crappy foods because everyone will just snack on those.
Try New Foods
Isn't it exciting to discover new flavors and cuisines? Traveling is the perfect time to do just that! Visit a local farmer's market and enjoy the fresh, healthy produce. It's a fun way to widen your foodie adventures and support the local community.
Take Time to Relax
Remember, it's okay to take a break. Make sure to set aside some "me-time" each day to unwind. Whether you're diving into a gripping novel or finding zen through meditation, these peaceful moments are key to managing stress and enhancing your overall happiness.
Pack GutPersonal’s Magnesium Supplements
Having trouble sleeping? Magnesium supplements might just do the trick! Keep them in a pill organizer so you won't forget to take them. They're all set and ready to help you enjoy a good night's sleep.
Swap Pepsi for Olipop Sodas
Make your health a priority by choosing what you drink wisely. Instead of grabbing a high-sugar cola or root beer, why not try a healthier alternative? Olipop soda is not only delicious but also a fantastic swap for the sugary drinks. Cheers to better health!
Morning Walks
Wake up, get some sunshine, and get your steps in! There’s nothing like enjoying your coffee, breathing in fresh air and starting your day off slow (which we ALLL need!)
How to Eat Healthy on Vacation
Eating healthy on vacation can be a challenge, especially when you're surrounded by tempting local cuisine. But with a little planning and self-discipline, it's completely possible. Here are a few tips:
Pack Healthy Snacks: Always have a healthy snack on hand. Pack things like almonds, dried fruits, or nutrition bars or meat sticks. These can curb your appetite between meals and prevent overeating.
Do Restaurant Research: Before you travel, look up restaurants that offer healthy options in your vacation area. Avoid fast food when possible and try to choose places that use fresh, local ingredients.
Include Fruits and Vegetables: Try to include fruits and vegetables in every meal. Look for dishes that feature these as the main ingredient, or request a side salad instead of fries.
Practice Portion Control: Even when you're enjoying the local cuisine, watch your portion sizes. Use smaller plates or bowls to help manage the amount you eat. You can still enjoy your favorite foods, just in moderation.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help control your appetite and keep you feeling full.
Join the Waitlist for Our New Course: Nourished Life
I hope these tips help you stay healthy on your next vacation. But if you're looking for more guidance on how to prioritize your health and wellness, join the waitlist for our new course, Nourished Life.
In this course, I share practical strategies for integrating nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals. It's perfect for women and moms who want to take a proactive approach to their health. So why wait? Join the waitlist today and start your journey to a healthier, happier life.
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