As you read this, I’m on vacation with my husband, Dan, and son, Jack. We’re doing Great American vacation, Part 2 – a trip to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Great American Vacation, Part 1 was the trip we took two years ago to the Badlands and Black Hills. When it comes to vacation and traveling, food and healthy lifestyle habits can definitely be a stress point for people, myself included. Hours at the airport and on planes, staying in hotels, eating all your meals out. It adds up and can be overwhelming.

Here are my tips for maintaining some consistency around a healthy lifestyle while on vacation:

• Start off with some healthy snacks in your carry-on bag. I always pack a few apples and some mixed nuts (unsalted). They both travel well, are filling, and are liked by all members of my family.
• Choose a hotel that has a refrigerator in it, no matter how small. This gives you the flexibility of storing some fruits and vegetables, leftovers from a meal out (so you don’t feel compelled to eat the entire entrée at the restaurant), and bottled waters.
• Choose a hotel that has a fitness center and/or pool. Jack is a swimmer. He simply loves the water. While he’s in the pool, I can swim some laps or do some exercises in the pool to maintain my usual workout routine.
• Share restaurant meals. With three of us, we can easily just order two items off the menu to cut down portion sizes. Or we order appetizers instead of entrees. I try and always order salads at lunch – filled with veggies and lean meats.
• Build activity into your vacation. On Great American Vacation, Part 1,we spent a day hiking in the Badlands of South Dakota. The purpose was to experience the Badlands. The side benefit was all the exercise. During Great American vacation, Part 2, we’re seeing all the historic sites of D.C. Again, while not the primary intent, definitely a bonus.
• Finally, allow yourself to indulge. From my perspective, indulging is part of vacation. At my house, we’re big fans of the show Top Chef. One of last season’s contestants happens to work at 10 Arts in Philly. So we’re heading there, and will definitely indulge.

How do you manage your healthy lifestyle while on vacation?

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