You may know the old coined phrase that still comes up in a conversation from time to time; “you can’t have one’s cake and eat it too”? Well that’s about to change when you take your next vacation!
We tend to associate our vacations with relaxation, eating a plethora of delicious foods at the endless buffets and a’ la carte’s, and unfortunately coming back home with a few extra pounds that we surely didn’t expect.
Well that’s not the case anymore, because many of us have become more health conscious, and are more concerned about gaining those extra pounds while on holidays. You can avoid breaking your healthy habits from your vacation temptations, because I have a few tips that will help you “have your cake and eat it too”.
Tip #1: Find A Resort Or Cruise With A Top Gym Facility
Now I know I’m going to get a lot of “Are You Crazy!” with this first tip, but consider finding that Resort or Cruise Ship that provides a state of the art gym facility. This way the moment you arrive and settle in, before you hit the buffet or sit down to have that gourmet a la carte dinner, first visit their gym and get familiar with the facility.
Now when I say state-of-art equipment, that’s exactly what I mean! There are many Hotels, Resorts, and Cruise ships that don’t have quality well maintained facilities and equipment. You don’t want to go to a workout facility that has faulty equipment or smells like month old gym socks, do you? I know I wouldn’t!
Hotels, Resorts, And Ships Are Jumping On The Health Craze Bandwagon!
Many resorts, hotels and cruise ships highly promote their exclusive gym facilities, and also have full-time staff on hand to assist you in your workout. Who knows, possibly you always wanted to join a gym at home, and just didn’t get around to it due to some concerns or questions, or lack of time. Using the facilities on vacation will give you a good heads up on what to expect when you get back home, and you never know, you may want to keep your workout routine going once you return.
Tip #2: Choose A Vacation Offering A Number Of Activities
When choosing your next vacation at a Hotel, Resort or Cruise, find out how many activities they offer, such as water aerobics, snorkeling, scuba diving, and anything else that you would consider fun and keep you active throughout the day. This is a great way to keep active, and then after a good workout having your next meal will feel so much better. Plus the most important thing to do after a good workout is relax, and you can do this either by the pool or on the beach, the choice is yours!
Tip #3: Break Your Daily Eating Habits
When it comes to eating, even though you’re on vacation we tend to stick to our normal eating habits consisting of our 3 meals a day. Of course we may sneak in a midnight snack, and why not, at All Inclusive’s and Cruises that’s expected!
Whether at home or away, the advise given from most nutritionists and health professionals are to eat smaller meals consisting of 5 to 6 per day. Your body needs nutrition throughout the day, and it’s recommended to eat these small meals every 3 – 4 hours, followed with at least a minimum of 8 – 10 glasses of fresh cold water. The water will keep you fully hydrated in the hot weather, and also help you feel full throughout the day.
If you have vacationed before at an all-inclusive property or cruise, you will know that they normally have food and beverages available to you throughout the entire day and evening, so once you know the schedule, you can easily plan your small meal routine, and what a great way to experience all the different foods without having to wait for the traditional meal schedule. You will notice eating 5-6 smaller meals will have you feeling energized and content, and your body will utilize most if not all of the food as you incorporate your workout program.
Tip #4: Choose Walking Tours Over A Bus Tour
If you’re deciding to take some excursions while at destination or cruise ports, consider the walking tours, or excursions that offer more than just sitting in an air conditioned bus for 2-4 hours at a time. Going shopping is a great way to spend time walking and burning lots of daily calories. While on the beach, use the complimentary kayaks, or when the staff blows the whistle to make up beach volleyball teams, join them and have fun. You would be amazed while playing these fun games, how many calories you are burning during those activities.
Tip #5: Lose Weight While On Vacation. Huh!!!!
If you always have struggled to lose weight, and you love to vacation, consider taking a fitness vacation!
Ok, know I’m sure your eyes are rolling at me with a vengeance, but this is a growing trend, and in my opinion, I think this is a fantastic way to get away from your daily grind and routine and really have an opportunity to focus on your goals, and that’s to lose those pounds you have been struggling with for years.
For most of us it’s extremely difficult during our daily routines at home, for many reasons, such as long work hours, and family commitments that take up most of the day. I’m sure if this is you, once finished at the end of the day, you’re completely exhausted and you probably don’t have the energy to do a fitness program. Pre-planning a fitness vacation will eliminate a lot of those barriers and allow you to focus 100% on your weight loss goals.
You won’t believe how many fitness vacations are actually available, and are extremely popular. Don’t take my word for it, start searching over the Internet and you may be completely surprised that you may find one tailored just for you.
For example: When you can go online and search for “fitness vacations” you will come across every type of vacations, from Hiking packages, to luxurious Mountain retreats that combine physical activity programs and luxurious Spas that will not only whip you into shape, but also offer the pampering experience you so deserve! This type of fitness vacation will have you looking forward to that exotic massage after a day of rigorous weight loss activity.
Did You Know You Could Actually Loss Weight On A Cruise?
If you laugh at the notion that many health professionals claim you could actually lose weight on a cruise, well it’s true! Back in 2006 the hit NBC TV show ‘The Biggest Loser’ aired an episode on the spectacular Sapphire Princess, and they provided the contestants the opportunity to learn how to cruise and loose at the same time. Keep in mind that if you go on a cruise vacation with the mind-set that you want to either lose weight or avoid gaining, a cruise ship is a fantastic option.
Many mainstream and luxurious cruise ships such as the Sapphire Princess have a number of dietary programs that their 5+ Star chefs are accustomed to making for ship guests. As long as you stay focused, and communicate with your ships server of your goals and intentions, they will gladly help you stick with your weight-loss goals. Imagine losing pounds while enjoying a relaxing and fun cruise vacation. It doesn’t get any better than that!
If you would like to read more on the episode that took place on the Princess ship back in 2006, here’s the link to view it:
http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na832
In conclusion, if you’re concerned about gaining weight on your next vacation, consider getting focused prior to your departure date, and stick with the tips above. If you’re one that always wanted to learn more on how you can join a fitness vacation and lose weight, contact us at www.the-traveling-agent.ca/contact-us.html and we will assist you in finding the right vacation for your weight-loss or get back into shape needs.
Remember, you can have your cake and eat it too while on vacation, when eating smaller meals and more of them throughout the day, combined with some activity, possibly you will be coming home with a fit body to go along with that beautiful tan.
