Luxury travel typically comes with a certain inevitable indulgence, which can often mean gaining a few extra pounds. However, you can still savor sumptuous meals & exotic cocktails on your next Caribbean vacation without compromising your weight or your health. All it takes is a little planning from the moment you leave for the airport. By following these tips, the only dramatic changes you'll notice after your trip is over are a refreshed outlook & a deeper tan.
For the Flight Set the tone for your vacation by developing healthy habits before you even arrive at your destination. By packing a bag of granola & a piece of fruit, you can avoid the temptation to swipe up a sugary pastry at the airport. You could even bring a packet of oatmeal & add hot water on the plane. Airline food tends to be high in fat, salt & other preservatives, so it's best to bring your own. A peanut butter & jelly sandwich on wheat bread, carrot sticks, string cheese or a bag of almonds are all easy to pack & can give you a boost of energy on a long flight. Fox News recommended dried coconut slices for a tropical treat, or turkey jerky for some instant protein. If you're in a rush & don't have time to pack something, most newsstands have a variety of energy bars to choose from.
Since flying can also leave your body parched, it's important to drink enough water throughout the trip. Additionally, while it's tempting to unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail, try to resist until you land, as alcohol is dehydrating.
At the Hotel Preparation is crucial to staying healthy on a luxury vacation. TV host Hope Bertram suggested looking into whether your hotel or resort has a gym. Even if there isn't a fitness facility, there's no reason to leave your workout behind on your getaway. Bertram also advised walking whenever possible. You could also swim laps in the hotel pool or try out a new water sport for a more engaging way to stay fit on your trip.
It's also important to pay attention to your eating habits, which can get out of control while you're relaxing at an all inclusive resort. When perusing the breakfast buffet or ordering room service, look for high-protein options that will sustain you. Eggs are a great choice because they're the perfect fuel for sightseeing, hiking, snorkeling or any other activity you might be doing. Fox News suggested adding veggies to an omelet for a nutrient-packed way to start your day. Mixed & frozen cocktails are typically loaded with sugar & calories, so try to limit your intake to a couple drinks. As a general rule, the fewer ingredients the better.
Restaurants Dining out is one of the greatest pleasures of a vacation. You can still enjoy meals out without adding to your waistline by looking into restaurants nearby that offer nutritious fare. You could ask the concierge for some recommendations, or Bertram noted that you can often find a few options by searching "healthy restaurant" in Google near the destination. There's no reason to restrict yourself completely – it's all about moderation. Craving that coconut cheesecake? Drooling over a cheeseburger? Fox News advised choosing one meal a day to splurge. Start with a salad dressed in vinaigrette, which can help fill you up before the meal comes & prevent you from overeating.Two appetizers instead of one entree can also help you with portion control while also letting you taste different foods, according to Fox News.
Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up if you get a little off track. A getaway, whether to Mexico or Jamaica, is all about letting loose, having fun & trying new things. Your healthy habits should enhance the experience, not stress you out & take away from the enjoyment.
