Holidays and travelling are arguably one of the most exciting parts of the year. However, it can also make some people a little nervous. Will all of their hard work be put to waste? Do they need to count macros?
Here are our top tips to stay healthy when you’re away!
1. Get your steps in..
Have you ever looked at the steps on your fitness tracker when you’re away and exploring a new city? Walking around a city is one of the best ways to see it and get your steps in! This is a particularly great method of keeping you exercise levels up when you’re away, if you’re not planning on getting to a gym. Our daily step count contributes to the NEAT component of our metabolism. This stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. In short, this is the proportion of the daily calories we burn that comes from non-formal exercise such as walking, housework and fidgeting. The more active we are, the greater amount of energy output we have. Holidays are a perfect time to get out walking and increase those NEAT levels! Pretty neat huh?
2. You don’t need to eat 6 croissants just because you’re on holidays..
Holidays are a time when the 'screw it' attitude can take over. While we’re all for encouraging a more relaxed diet when abroad, all sense should not be thrown out the window either.
3. Don’t forget about protein! Or veggies..
The combination of protein and fibrous vegetables will help to keep you feeling full and your blood sugars stable. A good rule of thumb is to aim for ¼ of your plate to be from a protein source and ½ the plate to be filled with vegetables, leaving ¼ of the plate for carbohydrate. Snacks such as 0% fat Greek yoghurt, jerky and protein bars are handy to boost your protein intake throughout the day.
4. Listen to your hunger cues..
Back to point no.2, you don’t need to inhale everything in sight just because you’re on holidays. Chances are overeating will leave you feeling sluggish, full and bloated. The food will always be there.
5. Consider fasting..
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a really handy tool we use a lot. It can be particularly useful if when you’re away you find you’re not too hungry in the morning. Skipping breakfast will leave more room for a bigger lunch and dinner.
6. No regrets! Own your decisions...
Most importantly, remember that holidays are to do just that - holiday! The time you’re away is one for making memories with loved ones. So don’t spend too long thinking about the gym or the calories in a meal. Use it to make memories and have fun!