Scope out the Food Scene<\/h3>\n
Wherever you\u2019re headed, search for grocery stores and restaurants that are within walking distance or a short drive of where you\u2019ll be staying. This will make planning your meals and snacks a lot easier. It\u2019s also a big money and time saver.<\/span><\/p>\n Delays happen. Pack plenty of water for road trips or an empty water bottle to fill up before boarding your flight. It\u2019s also helpful to have fruit like bananas or oranges packed along with whole grain crackers\/chips, and nuts to keep you from experiencing the hungries that may lead you to eating convenience food. <\/span><\/p>\n Vacation is a time to unwind and let go of the everyday grind. However, keeping your healthy eating habits during your downtime will yield long-term results. Avoid replacing a meal with a decadent ice cream cone or a savory type of snack like loaded nachos. You can enjoy both! Prioritize your top 2-3 favorite treats and spread them out among your vacation days. Treat yourself after a nutrient-dense meal and keep portion sizes small. This will help keep your blood sugar level more stable and decrease the likelihood of you overindulging.<\/span><\/p>\n Eating out is more common on vacation and that\u2019s to be expected. Therefore, water intake is even more important to aid in filtering out added sodium and other preservatives packed into fast food. Keep in mind, the air you breathe has toxins in it too. Water intake should always be a priority for boosting energy, alertness, and to help with digestion and appetite control. On travel days be sure to drink up! Always aim for at least 64 ounces of water each day.<\/span><\/p>\n Always eat a well-balanced breakfast that contains a heart-healthy protein, whole-grain, and complex carbohydrate, which can be simply delicious like peanut butter toast and blueberries. <\/span><\/p>\n Commit to being physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Getting your walk or a swim in during the morning hours will help ignite your metabolism and increase your energy level for a fun-filled day. <\/span><\/p>\n How well you\u2019re rested can affect your food choices. Staying up an hour or two later than usual may lead to mindless eating. Also, going to bed soon after snacking can result in an uncomfortable night\u2019s sleep due to reflux or digestion issues. If you need a small snack before bedtime, it\u2019s best to enjoy one 2-3 hours prior to hitting the pillow. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night is ideal for most adults.<\/span><\/p>\nPack Strategically<\/h3>\n
Give Yourself an Allowance<\/h3>\n
Flush out the Toxins<\/b><\/h3>\n
Start Your Day with Energy<\/h3>\n
Get Up and Out! <\/span><\/h3>\n
Stay on Your Sleep Schedule<\/h3>\n
Happy Traveling!<\/h3>\n
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Helen Agresti is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist<\/b> (RDN) in private practice at <\/span>Professional Nutrition Consulting, LLC<\/span><\/a>. Helen provides personal nutrition coaching & counseling. She specializes in weight loss, food sensitivities, and eating disorders. Helen lives in Erie, <\/span><\/p>\n