It can be difficult to stay fit while traveling. A major misconception that most people have about staying healthy while traveling is that vacation days count as “cheat days” when it comes to indulging and not exercising. You can maintain your diet and fitness routine! While it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, it’s actually pretty easy to stay healthy and fit while on vacation.
For millions of people, traveling means doing things you normally wouldn’t do at home. Whether you’re embarking on an exotic vacation or a business trip, there are still things to keep you moored to your regular routine without pulling you out of the experience or becoming a big distraction. No matter where you’re traveling, you can use these tips to stay active, fit, and healthy.
Start with a Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the course for the rest of your day and gives you the energy that you will need. Breakfast gets your metabolism pumping. There are plenty of hotels like offer free breakfast, so there’s no excuse not to eat breakfast. As a bonus, if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to take advantage of the offer.
Use the Coffee Maker
The coffee maker is used for more than coffee. Use the hot water you make with the coffee maker to prepare a hot healthy breakfast like oatmeal if the other options are either not provided or quite unhealthy. Avoid the breakfast buffet that has Danish pastries and honey buns. Instead, opt for oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.
Bring Your Own Workout Equipment
A jump rope, a pair of resistance bands, ora yoga mat are all you need to bring your own workout. A heart rate monitor that tracks your steps, as well as your sleep cycles, can also be an efficient tool. If you’re an Apple Watch user, you probably already have these things with you. Using the heart rate monitor when you work out will help you get in a quick workout. Remember, a 10-minute workout you do take is better than a an hour-long one you miss.
Make your workout easier by choosing a hotel with a gym or fitness center. Some hotels have a gym or fitness center that has all the equipment you need. The Hyatt Regency Miamiis one of the best hotels with these accommodations. It provides swimming pools, so you can soak up the sun while you swim for exercise instead of staying stuck inside the gym.
This hotel makes sure you don’t compromise your fitness routine when you’re away from the hotel. You can enjoy the fitness center at all hours of the day. It’s packed with cardio machines and strength training equipment. You can stay on top of your fitness indoors or by running or walking along the trails with incredible views. The Hyatt Regency Miami can help you stay fit during your trip.
Eat One Yogurt Everyday
This is something you should do even when you’re not traveling. Eat yogurt for breakfast since it keeps you fuller longer. It’s affordable if continental breakfast isn’t available or if you’re on a time crunch. Greek yogurt will keep your stomach full as it regulates your digestive system and prevents bloating. It can also regulate your pH levels which keeps your reproductive system healthy.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for staying active and healthy. It helps you stay hydrated before and after your workout. Make sure you stock up on water while you’re traveling. It’ll keep you from drinking soda and alcohol. Plus, when you feel full, you won’t opt for those vending machine sweets. Most hotels have bottled waters available, but you can always use a self-filtering water bottle.
Use the Mini Bar
The mini bar doesn’t have to be treated like your personal bar. It can be used to stock some of your favorite healthy drinks and snacks. Shop at the grocery store before returning to your room at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Stock your mini fridge with baby carrots, celery sticks, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
Having these healthy snacks around will combat overeating and overindulging. Prepare yourself beforehand and eat something healthy on your trip to reduce the risk of vacation snacking. With some additional planning, there’s no excuse not to be healthy.
Pack Lightweight Sneakers
You can’t workout in flip-flops. If you can’t bring your best workout sneakers with you, pack a pair of lightweight sneakers designed for travel. They’re good enough for an intense cardio session or a walk around the hotel. Your sneakers should keep your feet protected in all types of weather you expect, so check the forecast.
Eat a Granola Bar Between Meals
Keep cravings at bay and increase your metabolism by packing a granola bar or protein bar in your overnight bag. You should consume one in-between each meal or in the morning if you woke up late for breakfast. It’s best to bring them from home than to buy them at your hotel or convenience store. You can buy them in bulk at many big-box grocery store chains or Amazon.
Buy a Few Groceries
Buy your groceries while you’re traveling. This will help you save money on eating out at restaurants and fast food places. It’ll also prevent you from overeating, and help you stay on your healthy diet. You couldbuy eggs, yogurt, and soups for your mini fridge and stock up on the other items mentioned already. You can use your hotel’s tea kettle or coffee maker to make them.
Walk Instead of Ride to Stay Fit
Avoid using public transportation or ride-sharing services if you can walk to your destination. Walking allows you to burn calories and enjoy some new scenery. Unless you’re running late or it’s late at night, there’s no reason not to walk. With that said, you shouldn’t walk in an area where you don’t feel safe. Walking is almost always better than riding in a vehicle.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to flex – literally and figuratively — on your vacation whenever you’re exercising. It’s great motivation to get out there in front of some cool sights. No one has to know that you actually just jogged a quick mile instead of crushing a 10K because the photos on Instagram will still look great.
Finally, don’t forget to relax! You should enjoy your vacation. It’s time to explore and make new memories. No one expects you to stick to your diet and fitness plan 100% of the time. If you can work out 10 minutes every day and eat fruits and veggies with your meals, you should return from your trip in the same way you left. You won’t lose a ton of fitness over a relatively short time, AND you can still be good to yourself while doing some indulging here and there.
