-Do your homework and plan your exercise the night before. Have a thought of what you want to do and what time. Does your hotel have a gym or offer fitness classes? Is there a gym or studio near by? Most gyms and studios offer out of town guest passes for a small fee. Is there a nice place to walk or run outside? Are there fitness classes on the beach that you can take advantage of? (I happen to know of an excellent beach bootcamp in Naples, Florida!)
-Exercise in the morning. Once you get started with your day you are much more likely to skip exercising.
-Take a jump rope with you and make up your own routine. Jump for a few minutes, do some push-ups, find a bench for tricep dips, lunges, add in some planks and crunches for your core - do this for 30-60 minutes.
-Enlist your friends, kids, family to join you - peer pressure is a good thing in this case!
-Reward yourself with a healthy, light breakfast after you exercise (walk to breakfast). Find a place to get a healthy smoothie (many are loaded with sugar and fruit juices, look for fresh fruit options), a RAW juice bar (try a green smoothie or wheatgrass shots), opt for oatmeal over bacon and eggs...
-Decide which meal is going to be your main meal of the day and go light the rest of the day. It is not necessary to eat three heavy meals a day and you will feel more energized by going lighter, even if you are just relaxing in the sun all day!
-If you happen to be on a "foodie" vacation or just some place that is known for their great restaurants and local food, it is still possible to experience and taste all of the local fare without going overboard. Ordering small plates is a great way to do this, sharing a meal is another (never feel bad doing this, portion sizes are generally too large anyway).
-Go light on desserts and sweets. Don't deprive yourself, just don't over indulge. Take a couple of bites, savor the flavor and be done.
-Watch your alcohol intake (calories, dehydration, hangover, no energy).
-Stay hydrated (often our bodies are thirsty when we feel hungry, try a glass of water over a snack).
-Mix it up and try new things! This includes food and exercise. Be adventurous and break out of your mold. Try a beach volleyball game, rent bikes and sightsee this way instead of in your car or on a bus, try raw or vegetarian food, take an afternoon walk instead of an afternoon nap, go hiking, swimming, snowshoeing - make it fun and exciting!
Where ever you are headed this year for vacation know that it is possible to come home feeling great about jumping back into your normal routine refreshed and energized and without an extra 5 pounds. Take the time to take care of your body, have fun and be sure to relax and enjoy yourself!
~One Body, One Life~
Jennifer
