Healthy Vacation Habits, 5 Tips to Keep You Well

Healthy Vacation Habits, 5 Tips to Keep You Well

1. Move! It’s easy to walk 30 miles in three days if you’re in New York City. But what if you’re at a tropical resort or poolside in Florida? Make sure you go for walks every day, visit the hotel/resort fitness center or take the stairs instead of elevator whenever possible. For long road trips, go for a quick walk, perform squats, lunges and side bends when stopping for gas or restrooms.
2. Moderation. It’s easy to eat pancakes for breakfast, quesadillas for lunch, have drinks at happy hour and eat ice cream every day. I (Dr. Levi) know from experience 😊 But that often leads to a very sluggish finish to your trip and increases your chances of getting sick upon return home. It’s ok to have desserts, comfort foods and sugary and/or alcoholic drinks from time to time but keep it within reason. Try to add a vegetable to each meal and don’t forget your healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil, fish, etc). Pack trail mixes, meat sticks and protein bars for airplanes and long car rides.
3. Plan ahead. Make a meal plan, or at least an outline for each day so you’re not scrambling for ideas, eating fast food or snacking all day.
4. Hydrate. Front load your water first thing in the morning with two glasses before anything else. Drink between meals and aim for half your body weight in ounces per day. This is especially important for long car rides and airplanes.
5. Rest. it’s easy to go on vacation and plan things for all your spare time to get in sight seeing, etc. Take advantage of sunshine by soaking up Vitamin D and let yourself rest and take naps in the down times.

Bonus Tip: Get adjusted before and after your trip to ensure your body is ready for travel and allow for optimal recovery!