If you’re like me, sometimes the thought of stepping away from your normal routine (even if for a vacation or relaxing getaway) can inspire fear because it means being away from “normal” dieting eating patterns. But don’t panic! You deserve to get away just like everyone else. And these easy-to-remember vacation tips will make going away on a summer trip both easy and fun – and will certainly help you to avoid wrecking your dieting efforts (and success thus far) while you’re away.

Dine Wisely

Believe it or not, you can indulge while on vacation. Have as close to a diet-like Breakfast and diet-like Lunch as you can, depending on what’s available from the room service or restaurant menus. Then, have what you really want for dinner. Just make sure you limit your portions. A general rule to follow is to eat half of what is served. Yes, that means you can enjoy even richer foods that you’d normally avoid when at home, sticking to your commitment to healthier eating. In this case, portion control is key! You can even have some fresh fruit with whipped cream for dessert every other night (make it a treat!). And after dinner, try taking a walk to help digest your food.

When wanting to order healthier options, look for fish or meat dishes that are grilled or broiled. Stay away from anything sauteed or fried.

Try eating a handful of raw cashews before going out to eat to help curb that “starving” feeling before ordering. Entering a restaurant when you’re ravenous can often spell trouble (not to mention overindulgence).

Move Daily

Call ahead to find out if the hotel you’ll be staying at has a workout room or gym. And be sure to pack appropriate workout gear. Make sure you don’t have any excuses not to workout while away.

Try working out first thing in the morning to make sure you squeeze it in without missing out on any of the fun your traveling companions have planned for the rest of the day.

Dive in! The hotel swimming pool is great place to get exercise. Try swimming as many laps as possible – even if you’re just “Doggy paddling.” The water provides a sort of ‘resistance training’ for your muscles and thus can help tone and strengthen your gorgeous bod (yes, I’m talking to you)!

Also try renting bikes and taking your own tour of the area you’re visiting.

Snack Safely

The key to not over-indulging while away is to eat regularly and never starve yourself. This means scheduling healthy snacks and having them available the instant you need them. You can plan ahead and take them with you, or plan to hit a grocery store once you arrive at your destination. (Bring small plastic bags in your luggage for dividing snacks into proper-sized portions.) Try these healthy options while you’re away:

Raw Cashews or Raw Almonds from Health Food Stores (easy to pack, easy to snack on).

Fresh fruits (much healthier than dried fruits, which are sweeter, more concentrated and easier to over-consume. Also, a lot of dried fruit contains added sugar, which increases its already high calorie levels).

Don’t Forget the Water

Too often while away from our normal routine and/or environments, we forget to drink as much water as our bodies need. Let’s face it, it can be hard enough remembering to drink water while at home. So this difficulty only increases when away from home, on vacation. Plus, bottled water can be super pricy when getting it from your hotel room’s mini bar or even from the hotel’s convenience store. Thus, whenever I travel, I make it a point to stop at a local grocery store (where I can stock up on affordable bottled water that I can drink throughout my stay) as soon as I arrive to town. Sound like a hassle? Too bad! Your health is worth the extra step (and expense)!

Most Important? Have Fun!

The whole point of getting away is to detox the mind. Enjoy yourself and don’t be too obsessed with what you’re eating or when you’re eating it. The more relaxed you are, the more in-tune you’ll be to your senses (and even your hunger). Make choices that feel good, taste good and don’t leave you feeling stuffed and miserable (mentally or physically). After all, the last thing you want to deal with while being away is having clothes feel too tight or the feeling of “Being stuffed” keeping you hidden away in your room and from enjoying your surroundings.

Do you have any tips or tricks in regard to vacationing without guilt – and without ruining your dieting efforts up-to-now? I’d love for you to share them by commenting below. Until then? Wish you were here! (Oh, wait — you are! And I sure do appreciate that!)

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