Have Holiday Fun Without Getting Fat

Holiday excess! Two words we do not like at all. We all usually come home with excess baggage around our butts and waistlines from our holiday excesses. This is a usual occurrence after a great vacation where we return heavier than we left due to over-eating and drinking, and not getting enough exercise and/or sleep.

Here are a few hints on how to have a great holiday that could leave you a little lighter in body, enriched in mind, and save you some cash as well.

8 Tips for Not Returning with Excess Baggage on Your Butt

1. Planning – It Starts Before You Leave

Being healthy and fit is a lifestyle choice. We look for holidays with an element of adventure (Great Wall of China marathon for example) and one where you get to walk a lot and experience the country and its culture. We try to book accommodation with kitchens so we can prepare our own healthy meals and snacks (is usually less expensive too) and we always bring our running shoes and swim goggles just in case.

We booked a gorgeous 4 bedroom unit in Tuscany that had a pool and huge kitchen through http://www.bokings.com for just $100/night.

2. Your First Challenge- Plane Food/Boat

If you know you have a long journey ahead with bad catering then eat a bigger, more nutritious meal before you leave. Bring healthy snacks along so you will not be tempted to eat the bread, pasta and dessert on the plane. I simply eat the salad, protein and a small piece of the cheese on the flight. If there is a sandwich I do not take it but then enjoy some of the snacks I prepared such as almonds and dried apricots. If the dessert looks particularly good then I will open it and appreciate the smell before putting it away!

On our recent flight to Rome I simply fasted after enjoying a great breakfast before we flew.

3. Accommodation with a Kitchen

We try and book accommodations with a kitchen so we can mainly prepare our own food (airbnb and booking.com are our favorite). This is a lot more economical than always dining out. You also get a bigger fridge so you can buy, make and store healthy snacks like apples, carrots, boiled eggs and tuna and squash patties. We always have a good stock of bananas, nuts and dried fruits on which to snack.

4. Picnics

You cannot beat a nice picnic. The open air, the breeze, the sun, and nature calling out to you make them memorable. Simply get together your previously purchased cheese, dried meats, fruits and vegetables into a basket and head to a sunny place. We did this in the gorgeous Tuscan city of Siena.

5. Local Markets and Suppliers

We loved visiting and supporting the local markets and food purveyors. They are passionate and usually have great produce. You can often try some of their products before you buy to test for freshness and flavor. We bought some of the best dried meats, pork, avocados, strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes that I have tasted in a long time.

6. Dining Out

When dining out it is also quite easy to maintain your Primed Lifestyle. Simply inform the waiter that there is no need for bread to start with, ask for salad instead of the fries, ask to substitute the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette, ask for the burger with no bun and just look for items that incorporate protein and vegetables without the grains, sugars and less dairy. You can also eat very well at the buffet without piling on the kilos too by seeing these simple hints.

7. Walk A Lot

An added benefit of eating more nutritiously is that you will have more energy to walk around and experience the country you are visiting. Walking is the most economical mode of transport. This is essential in cities like Paris and London where a taxi is so expensive. We loved walking everywhere around the city and country side as you get to see and appreciate more. You meet the locals, have a chat and laugh, and get fitter too.

8. Your Life, Your Lifestyle

It is your holiday and a special time to relax with your family and friends. Still enjoy your favorite foods but perhaps limit your “cheat days” to once a week maximum. Instead of a cake each just share one together.

Sleep well so you have the energy to cook yourself a healthy and nutritious breakfast. With good fuel in your body you can walk more and enjoy the sights and sounds of your holiday destination. You have to plan and think ahead but it is possible to not over-indulge on your holiday and return with the dreaded excess baggage.

Remember though, should you return heavier than you left you do not have to despair. With a little exercise and a lot of Primed eating you can easily shed that excess baggage.

Contact me at Chad.Davis.1@gmail.com should you need a Wellness Coach to guide you.