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Vacationing is typically about seeing new places, unwinding and getting a break from the everyday routine. However, it is also a time when healthy eating habits slide. We leave our rational, nutritionally savvy selves behind and tend to overindulge. The listicle below includes seven tips for eating healthy on vacation to stay rejuvenated. But first, here is a little insight into why ‘Wellness Travel’ is trending.
What is wellness travel?
‘Wellness Travel’ incorporates healthy eating, exercise, and activities (meditation, yoga etc.) that promote mental and physical well-being. It is a way to ensure that vacationers return from their travels feeling refreshed instead of exhausted and dehydrated. Eating healthy on vacation can help people recharge, de-stress and experience an overall improvement in their wellness.
Relish A Healthy Breakfast
Enjoy oatmeal, eggs, whole wheat toast, nuts, fruits, yogurt, and more for a healthy start to your day. A balanced breakfast usually includes fruits, vegetables, protein and fibre.
Eating breakfast with locally sourced healthy ingredients is a unique way to start the day. It gives you a better understanding of the region and flavours of the local cuisine. You can savour healthy regional dishes such as tamales (corn-based dough with beans), enchiladas (Mexican whole-wheat tortillas with shredded chicken) or apple cornmeal pancakes. Following this tip for staying and eating healthy on vacation is topmost on our list.
Healthy Breakfast Choices: Shakshouka (eggs poached with vegetable sauce) | Meze-styled dishes with Olives | Greek Yogurt | Fermented Soya Beans | Steaming Vegetables & Herbs and more.
Carry Snacks On Travel
When travelling by road, it is wise to pack nutritious snacks. Do not rely on convenience stores for snacks. Instead, pack healthy snacks such as trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit. This way, you will avoid eating unhealthy snacks on vacation. Additionally, you can bring healthy snacks that don’t require refrigeration, such as nuts, seeds, or jerky. It will help you stay fueled during your trip and save you money in the long run. Use this top tip for eating healthy on vacation, especially on road trips.
Nutritious Snacks on the Go: Pistachios | Greek Yogurt | Almonds | Avocados | Sunflower Seeds | Whole Grain Cereal | Hummus | Roasted Chickpeas | Berries and more.
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Research For Eateries
Accessing healthy food when you are vacationing is a challenge. Hence, we recommend that you plan your meals ahead of time to avoid unhealthy choices. Research the area to find healthy restaurants, local markets and grocery stores, and plan your meal timings appropriately.
Looking out for farmers’ markets that sell organic cuisine is another tip for staying healthy on holiday. Buy from vendors selling fruits, vegetables, spices, dairy and other food materials that are local delicacies. These markets enthral every traveller’s senses and offer some of the best foods to eat on holiday.
Local Markets (worldwide): St. Lawrence Market (Toronto) | Unique Square Market (New York) | Mercado Central (Chile) | Spice Bazaar (Istanbul) | Machane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem).
Eat Right Proportions
A vacation is a great time to treat yourself to culinary delights. However, being mindful of how much you consume is a good tip for eating healthy on vacation. Many travellers tend to love bigger meals for lunch and dinner on vacation.
When faced with a buffet or dessert table, try picking the healthiest options available without indulging. Choose plant-based food loaded with vegetables, baked oatmeal, pesto salads and other healthy foods for a sumptuous lunch or dinner meal.
Best Foods to Eat on Vacation: Steamed Vegetables | Brown Rice| Egg Salad | Fajita Veggies | Pesto Salmon | Mediterranean Tuna Salad | Healthy Pasta with Broccoli | Salmon with Asparagus and more.
Stay Hydrated On The Go
You must stay hydrated while travelling. A reusable water bottle is an easy way to stay hydrated on the go. Cafés, restaurants, and water fountains provide refilling options.
In addition to water, you can also drink other fluids like fruit juice, coconut water, or herbal tea to stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and celery are high in water content. Remember, staying hydrated is essential, especially when travelling, as the change in environment and routine can affect your body’s water levels.
Smart hydration apps: Waterllama | Aqualert | Water Tracker |Water Reminder-Drink | Hydro Coach | My Water.
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Keep Moving
Being physically active is a good tip for staying healthy on holiday. Explore new destinations by walking or biking instead of taking a taxi. You can also do simple exercises indoors, from sit-ups to push-ups, or use lightweight equipment in the hotel gym. Many hotels have world-class fitness centres and swimming pools, so take advantage of the amenities and get a good workout.
Pilates, yoga, rock climbing, surfing or local fitness regimes are a way to stay active while travelling. Staying healthy during a vacation requires listening to your body and indulging in just the right amount of activity.
Unique Activities: Sunrise Yoga| Aqua Aerobics | Ayurvedic Rejuvenation | Hydrotherapy | Nature Treks, and more.
Conscious Eating
Start your meal by filling your plate with greens, a popular tip for eating healthy on vacation. While travelling, choose salads or vegetable-based dishes that contain a variety of greens. You can also ask for extra vegetables or greens added to your main course.
Pack a cooler with pre-washed greens, such as spinach or kale, and use them to make salads or add to sandwiches. When travelling, snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Or drink green smoothies with ingredients like spinach, kale, and cucumber.
Salads to try: Apple and Kale Salad | Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula & Apple | Simple Carrot Salad | Broccoli Salad | Pear Salad with Pecans and more.
