Tips for Staying Trim While Travelling

It may be tempting to throw caution to the wind when you are off on your travels, and indulge in all the new and exotic foods that are available, but the downside is that you may end up spending extra money on clothes when the inevitable happens and your waistline expands.

These following tips may be useful to consider if you want to avoid a) over-eating and overspending on food and b) overeating, and overspending on food and new clothes.

1. Make sure you don’t deviate too drastically from your normal way of eating – This could result in all sorts of stomach trouble, i.e., indigestion, constipation or diarrhea. Stick to your regular times of eating wherever possible.

2. Don’t let yourself get too hungry – you will be tempted to buy the biggest and probably unhealthiest thing on offer which you regret later when it’s made you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

3. Maintain your blood sugar levels – Eat a little bit of protein with each meal and try to avoid sugar on an empty stomach, this will make your blood sugar levels spike, not only will your mood deteriorate, but that sugar rush will increase insulin which can increase fat around your stomach

4. This is an important one. Regular sleep. Making sure you are getting plenty of zzzz’s is crucial for keeping the weight down. Your mood will be more stable, making you less likely to reach for a sugary snack.

5. Stay hydrated! Try and make sure that you have a plentiful supply of water if convenient. Not only will this help with controlling your appetite and boost your energy levels, your skin and hair will look better and your digestion will feel a lot more comfortable. The worst thing when you are on your travels is to feel uncomfortable and have to take time off to tend to nasty stomach bugs. Sometimes it’s inevitable, but you can take steps to give yourself the best chance to feel healthy and stay slim.

6. Willpower! You may be in Italy or France, and these are places that are renowned for their culinary pleasures. Take it easy and relax. Be discriminating and choose to eat something really great maybe once a day, a fantastic dinner. In France, taking advantage of long, lazy lunches is something not to be missed, and there are many chances to try foods that you wouldn’t get back home. Just don’t do it every day. Eating this way is also friendlier to the wallet as you normally have three courses for a set amount, for example 12 euros is an average amount to pay, and this would make a really nice treat that won’t affect your waistline too much.

7. Exercise. It’s easy to drop your usual work out when you go away, but if you make the effort to go for a run, do a yoga session you’ll maintain your level of fitness, your moods will elevate with all the endorphins and you’ll have a far more enjoyable time. Try finding places that offer guest passes, or maybe you can get a special offer if you go with a friend?

8. Get up early. This is peak time to take advantage of the beach or the swimming pool while it is not overrun by tourists.

Making sure that you are eating healthily and stay fit can be no mean feat when you are keeping inconsistent hours and time to fit exercise in becomes problematic. It is basic care of yourself, and there is no need to neglect yourself even in the most far flung places. Sticking to a regular way of eating and taking exercise could be grounding also, as travelling can be stressful, so do yourself a favor and take care of yourself. You’ll be happier, saner and thinner!

Note: I’m not a doctor or health professional.