You’re about to take off on holiday. Time to ditch the diet and reward yourself? As tempting as it is, by following a few simple rules, you can enjoy yourself without slipping on the scales.
Getting on track with a healthy diet and lifestyle takes determination and hard work. It may seem like you’re ready to “reward” yourself on holiday, but you’ll most likely undo a lot of your hard work very quickly. If you’re about to take a much anticipated holiday, how do you enjoy yourself and keep yourself on the right track?
Focus on your holiday
It sounds simple but this concept is easy to overlook. Enjoy the food but don’t centre the whole holiday around it. When food is delicious and always on offer, it can be tempting to indulge frequently. Instead of indulging, make your holiday about the scenery, the activities and the people. Eat when you are hungry, but don’t make food the centrepiece.
Don’t deprive yourself
If you see something you want, don’t deprive yourself and feel miserable. You’re on holiday! Sample, but watch your quantity. Tell yourself you are happy with a small amount and feel satisfied with what you’ve allowed yourself. Set yourself a number of bites (say three or four) and remind yourself how satisfying it was when you get to the end. Savour your food, don’t scoff it!
Keep active
Even if your holiday is all about relaxation, don’t neglect exercise completely. A brisk stroll or swim can be just as relaxing as lying on a daybed! Holidays are all about escaping the everyday, so why not try a new sport or activity you’ve never experienced before? Skiing, wind-surfing, cycling — give it a go, you may be surprised how much better you feel for doing it. Also, the more active you are, the less you are likely to crave food. Make this holiday about body, mind and spirit.
Watch your alcohol intake
With alcohol, it’s all about smart choices. Cocktails can be very calorific so order very carefully. Two strawberry daiquiris can contain as many kilojoules as the average meal! Stick to wine, champagne and spirits such as rum, vodka and gin. Alternate alcohol with a glass of water. You won’t drink anywhere near as much and the water will keep thirst at bay and cut down on the calories.
Smart snacking
Ditch the mini-bar and keep a stash of healthy snacks close by. You may be ravenous but there’s no need to head to the nearest ice-cream vendor or dial room service. Snacks like fruit, wholemeal bread and protein bars are healthy alternatives to keep hunger pangs at bay, not to mention the money you’ll save! Make sure they are the first things you see when you open the fridge door. Push those chocolate bars right to the very back!
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