7 Ways To Avoid Vacation Weight Gain

Though vacation is NOT the time to try to lose weight, you don't have to add an extra notch on your belt either.

Imagine coming home from vacation to find you have NOT gained weight! It is possible and here are some tips to help you:

1) Indulge in Moderation. Don't use vacations as an excuse to go all out and eat everything in sight.

Two big culprits of indulgences on vacation are desserts and alcohol. And surprisingly enough, it's often the first few bites or sips that are the best and most satisfying. Have you noticed that by the third scoop of ice cream (or the third glass of wine) it all just tastes the same and the feeling of gratification is gone?

Of course you should enjoy dessert or wine during vacation, but don't go overboard. If you want the dessert, just take one serving. Don't use vacation as an excuse to have two or more servings - there's always tomorrow!

2) Checks & Balances. If you plan on having a large dinner, go easy earlier in the day. Though it's best to eat your daily calories spread out through the day, be aware that on vacation you may eat more, especially at dinner. So go a little lighter during lunch.

Now this does NOT mean to skip a meal - I repeat - do not skip a meal! Simply eat more vegetables and fruits or other lower-calorie foods to kind of "save" your calories for that special meal later on. The French are good at this. If they know there's a special occasion that evening, they'll still eat breakfast and lunch, but will go a bit lighter.

3) Share foods. Often on vacation when you're eating out a lot, the portions can be huge. Why don't you order the wonderful dish with all of the trimmings, but share it with someone?

Many clients have told me that the first few days of vacation they're often astonished at how big the portions are. But after a couple of days their eyes (and their stomachs) get used to it. Don't let that happen to you!

Share a meal. And if you're still hungry after sharing, then you can always order something else.

Dessert is one of my favorite dishes to share. I feel good as I haven't denied myself, and often just a few bites are enough. So you CAN have your cake and eat it too (just be sure to share!)

4) Get some exercise. Now I don't expect you to go to a gym or run a 5K, but get out and walk. Spend some time seeing the area you're vacationing in and there's no better way to get a feel of somewhere than walking.

Go for a nice morning, afternoon or early evening walk. It's a great way to take a break from the beach or pool, and see the sights a bit.

When I visit Italy I love to walk around checking out the various restaurants. I look at the menu posted outside, peek inside to see if the restaurant is full, and I've even asked some diners on their way out if it was good or not! I'll literally spend an hour in my search. Not only do I often find a great restaurant, but I've worked up an appetite and gotten some exercise.

5) Be prepared. When you travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile, be prepared with healthy food so you won't have to eat whatever is available, which is often junk food.

I ALWAYS have a snack or food with me, especially when I travel. I'm the "Queen" of packing snacks, sandwiches, water and nuts. For me there's nothing worse than being hungry when traveling, only to have to stop at the fast-food joint as it's the only thing around. Hey, they don't even feed you on planes anymore!

6) Limit eating out. When you cook at home, you know exactly what goes into the food. But when eating in restaurants, it can be really tough to know. So try to stay away from fried or creamy foods and order foods that are baked, broiled or grilled.

Or if possible, rent a house that is equipped with a kitchen or a barbecue grill so you can prepare some meals yourself. Even if you don't enjoy cooking much, you'll be surprised that when you have the TIME (like on vacation) you may find that you like it.

7) Relax. Isn't that what a vacation is all about, to relax and rejuvenate? Don't go crazy worrying about how many calories something has or get uptight because you ate too much at one meal.

Just remember it's all about checks and balances, and by following the other steps above you just might come home to find the scale hasn't moved (well, at least not TOO much!)

Bon voyage!

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