How to Eat Healthy while on Vacation

It’s time to relax, enjoy yourself, and . . . eat?

You’re on vacation! It’s a good time to celebrate and indulge in a few tasty treats—but don’t throw all of your regular, healthy eating habits out the window just yet. Here are a few tips to help you eat healthy while enjoying delicious food on your vacation.

You can easily avoid the fried fast food you typically encounter at highway rest stops and airports by planning ahead. When traveling, pack healthy snacks like fruit and veggies, trail mix, yogurt, whole grain crackers, and—if you are driving and can take a cooler—sandwiches and salad. Drink water, and try to avoid soda and coffee, which can dehydrate you.

Stick to your routine—eat three regular meals a day. Stop when you are full, and try not to skip meals, as you are less likely to go for healthy foods when extremely hungry.

Staying in a hotel? Steer clear of the mini-bar. Stop at a grocery store for some breakfast items and foods you can keep in the fridge and prepare yourself.

Everything in moderation . . . If you are dining out, beware of oversized portions in restaurants. You can always order appetizers as your meal or take home what don’t finish. Stay away from fried foods and order the vegetable sides if given the option.

Get dessert! It is your vacation after all, but limit yourself to one treat per day. It can be easy to snack when ice cream and hot dogs are everywhere, but don’t gorge on junk food just because it’s convenient. Wait to splurge on something you really want. Local specialties, like pies and tarts made with seasonal fruit, can be a great way to get to know a place.

If you do overeat, work some exercise into your trip—bring along a Frisbee, go for a swim, or take a walk on the beach after dinner.