– Dolly Kumar –
Giving up on health as you plan your vacations? Doesn’t sound like a good idea!
A vacation is a time to decompress, unwind and get-away from the hectic schedules of your day-to-day life. Whether relaxing on a beach or exploring a new city; it is a time to take a break from the mundane and fill your life with joy. But with vacations, do you tend to take your health for granted?
Don’t leave your healthy habits behind when you get away from it all! Instead, try the following hacks to spend this summer vacation without any guilt.
1. Eat Healthy
Sticking to your healthy diet chart might be tricky when you are far from home. Nonetheless, you can do the following:
Ø Flying? Then eat first. This will save you from potentially eating at those food courts or during your flight. Treat yourself to a big meal before you hit the airport. Opt for a hearty bowl of Muesli with fresh slices of fruits or indulge in a steaming bowl of Oatmeal (Vegetables or Masala) before kicking off your journey. If you forget to eat and need to eat at the airport then why not opt for a platter of fruit salad?
Ø Pack a bundle of healthy snacks in your backpack before you head out for your vacay.
Take with you packs of Granola Bars, Trail Mix & Digestive Cookies and munch them whenever you feel like eating something. These snacks are not only healthy, but will also load you with energy. Furthermore, this will save you from splurging too much on food.
2. Better Choices on the Menu
Again this one has to do with your eating habits. While you are on a vacation, it is difficult to avoid those exotic cuisines. But remember, don’t binge too much but rather indulge in these cuisines in moderation. When you are at the restaurant for dinner, why not order a big platter of Chicken or Vegetable salad? If you don’t have many choices, then stick to those which are non-greasy. If you are eating from a buffet, then fill your plate with salad first, then choose little amounts of the rest. Don’t stay hungry while you are on vacation, but have self-control.
3. Walk, Jog & take Cycle rides
When you are in a different surrounding, it is good to discover the new area and have a time with yourself. Take a walk early morning in the new locality and inhale the fresh air. Additionally, you can jog or take a cycle ride and also do some yoga or stretches if you drop by a park or an empty space. This will make you feel rejuvenated all day long.
4. Sight – seeing
Again, not only discover the surrounding, but also visit places for sightseeing during late afternoon or anytime you prefer. Do not take a bus or a taxi wherever possible, but rather visit these places walking. Stopover those architectural ruins or walk around the beach. Visit the local market and take ecstasy in the different cultures (Also, pick up some fresh fruits from the market!)
5. Stay Hydrated
During vacations you might forget to drink water at regular intervals. But remember, staying hydrated is very important no matter where you are. Drink at least 8 ounce glasses of water every day and encourage your partner or family to do the same. If you drop by stalls of fresh fruit juice, then there’s no harm in having a medium cup or two. But again, don’t indulge in soda!
6. Partake in Local Activities
Local activities are best to get involved in during vacations. Take advantage of what the area is known for and plan your vacation around it. Indulge in the different physical activities, for instance a new dance form you were less aware of. Perks? You stay fit while getting to learn the different cultures.
7. Cook your own food
Now this might be difficult if you have checked-in to a hotel. But if you are staying at a home stay, then you might want to cook at least one meal every day, using your own healthy ingredients and your favourite recipes. Make your healthy meal using Extra Light Olive Oil instead of other oils. For sauté, add Extra Virgin Olive Oil and enjoy the great taste without having to repent much. Additionally, if you are staying in a hotel then do a research around the locality and take cooking classes and voila! learn new recipes.
8. Take it easy on Alcohol
‘No booze’ is always a better option, but it is undeniably difficult to resist when you are on a vacation. Instead, like eating, consume alcohol in moderation. Don’t gulp down those tequila shots or those beer pints to an extent that all you get next morning is a ‘bad hangover’. This will definitely spoil your vacation!
9. Exercise
Exercise! Well, taking out time for workouts might be dicey when all you want to do is enjoy your get-away time. But don’t be too lazy or be too occupied. Take out at least half an hour and hit the gym if there’s one in the hotel. If you don’t find any local gym, then do some cardio exercises in your room. Furthermore, do stretches or yoga every once in a while.
10. Rest
Last, yet not the least – you need to rest well! Sleep at least 6-8 hours every day during your vacations. Besides sleeping, you also must free your mind from your work. Resist the urge to check your emails every so often. Keep your phone off and instead spend that time with your partner, family or friends (and of course, your alone time!)
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About the author
Dolly Kumar
Author and eminent entrepreneur and a fitness enthusiast
About the authorFounder & Director at GAIA – Dolly Kumar, an eminent entrepreneur and a fitness enthusiast
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS.
