A healthy summer vacation
Today we welcome our new dietitian Shannon Svikhart to the blog!
How do I know when my sister, Kelly, is traveling? She’ll text a picture wearing an, um, unusual looking hat. She falls prey to questionable fashion decisions while away from her routine, not unlike decisions others make, say, in Vegas. If you plan to kick back in the salty air, tour ancient cities, or jump in the local pool this summer, ya still gotta eat! If we’ve committed to a healthy lifestyle, have no fear, our habits travel well.
Remember these keywords: flexibility and practice.
Getting there
Traveling by plane can be stressful. Build in 10 extra minutes at home to eat a high fiber cereal with milk and berries or try a hard boiled egg and a banana. You’ll arrive satisfied and calm. Plan to wait: stand often and stretch, eat nuts, trail mix or protein bars from home. Bring an empty clear water bottle (just looking at it will help HYDRATE all day) and fill it after you get through security. Check out our recent blog on road trips if your traveling by car this summer.
Once you’re there
Eating out? For me, eating is the main point of traveling (and, well, everything, TBH). If the local cuisine is high in fat (i.e. cheese) or I want a special dessert (like say, gelato), I’ll try a smaller portion, split it with friends, or opt for a large salad or a high veggie main.
It’s vacay after all, so I'll slow my roll: take smaller bites, put the fork or spoon down…unless it’s dessert with my mom: she’s fast. There are sometimes healthier options than what’s on the menu if we ask. Opt for grilled local fish and spend the upcharge for veggies and salads vs. fries and chips. Remember to get the dressing on the side!
If you’re mostly eating in stock the fridge with healthy options. Hotels sometimes have mini markets (and mini fridges) inside or locally where you can grab a few favorites: seltzer, bottled smoothies, unsweet green tea, cheese sticks, high fiber muffins, yogurt, pre-cut fruits and veggies. Using these items plus leftovers can decrease eating out. If you’re sharing rental with friends or family bring a few prepared dishes, lots of nutty, fiber packed snacks, fresh fruits and veggies to stay on track.
Head to the park, pool, waterslide or beach with whole grain crackers and apples to dip in single serve peanut butter, or a cooler bag full of sliced watermelon, peaches, carrots, cheese sticks, and water.
Staying active
Another key word for healthy travel? Walk.
An early morning walk on the beach, a city or national park is a free way to explore, de-stress and burn the calories from last night's pasta. Plan for commitment:
Make a flexible goal prior (i.e. I will do something at least 2/week)
Pack workout clothes/bathing suits/sneakers
Investigate a hike, yoga or pilates studio or gym
Bring bikes or reserve them at a local shop
Pick a few 20 minute You Tube workouts ahead of time
Staycationing?
In the mid Atlantic, the feud over which state has the best tomatoes & corn continues. Host the next cookout to debate it with these healthy, crowd pleasing recipes:
I say when in Rome, or your backyard, YOLO - walk into town and eat the gelato!