‘Travelling: Stay Fit & Healthy’ written by Tanya Doherty and published in Great Health Guide (July 2017). Do you follow a healthy regime prior to going on holiday but find that you undo all your hard work when you are there? Do you tend to overindulge in too many snacks or drinks and regret it after? Enjoying yourself on holiday doesn’t mean that you have to cut out all the ‘fun’ things. Find out how you can stay fit and healthy whilst travelling by reading this fantastic article by personal trainer Tanya Doherty. She shares her tips on how to stay healthy and amazing before, during and after your trip.
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FITNESS: Travelling: Stay Fit & Healthy
written by Tanya Doherty
Most people increase their commitment to exercise and healthy eating prior to a holiday so they feel amazing, but as soon as they get to the airport or start on the road trip, they buy some junk food and if not driving, have a glass of wine. The holiday is filled with beach reads, cocktails and lots of yummy treats. As soon as you get back to the airport, you vow to go back to your healthy eating and exercise plan because you are feeling worse then you did before you left. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s some top tips to keep you feeling amazing whilst still indulging when you’re on your next journey.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Prepare some healthy snacks for the plane.
If you want extra marks you can prepare your own meals for the plane. Personally, this isn’t something I do, but I like to take
healthy snacks and tend to stick to the veggie option on the plane. Snacks such as rice cakes with nut butter, dates, dark chocolate, nuts and seeds are great options.
2. Take an empty water bottle with you.
Fill this up once you get past security and don’t be afraid to ask for it to be filled on the plane or ask where you can refill it yourself. Hydration is so important, especially when flying. It will also make you feel a lot better once you land.
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3. On that note take some herbal teas with you.
You can ask for hot water on the plane and herbal teas are beautifully calming. Peppermint is great for digestion and chamomile is great for relaxing.
4. Try to avoid alcohol on the plane.
It can be tempting to start your holiday with some drinks, but this is just going to dehydrate you further and will make you feel groggier when you land.
5. Do some research – find some healthy restaurants before you go.
There’s nothing wrong with indulging when you are there, but you need to balance it with your usual healthy meals. It’s so easy
to do some research before you go and have some great options at hand.
6. Do some more research – search out a gym or yoga studio that is close to your accommodation.
Make a commitment to do a certain number of sessions while you are away, just as you would at home. It is also a great opportunity to try something new that you may not do at home, or don’t have the opportunity to do when at home.
7. Prepare a healthy meal and freeze it before you leave home.
If you find that you are tired when you get home and start reaching for the local take away menu, enjoy eating your own prepared meal instead. Much healthier and enjoyable.
WHILE YOU ARE THERE:
1. Check out the local farmers’ markets for some great local produce.
Fruit or veggie sticks are great snack options when you are out and about. If you have access to a kitchen, plan some healthy meals; hopefully you may have more time to experiment while you are away and cook some of those new meals that you find interesting. Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to a gym, why not hire a bike and find the local walking tracks. Make it fun!
2. Try some meditation.
People find that one of the biggest barriers to meditation is lack of time. A holiday is a great opportunity to experiment with
meditation and hopefully once you’ve experienced the benefits, you’ll find time to continue meditation when you get home.
3. Enjoy yourself!
Holidays are a great opportunity to relax, read that book you’ve been meaning to and to indulge in some self-care. Get a massage, have your nails done and do whatever else is going to make you happy.
WHEN YOU GET HOME:
1. You should be rested, relaxed and have had a great time.
If you have used the opportunity to get into a routine with your exercise, meditation or healthy food, keep it going! Now is not the time to give up.
2. Enjoy that meal you have prefrozen before your departure.
If not grab some fish or meat and keep it simple, fast and healthy with some steamed greens.
Author of this article:
Tanya Doherty is the founder of ‘Beachfit and Well-being’ and a personal trainer with MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Level 1 Fitness. Tanya is also a Charles Poliquin Biosignature practitioner and assists both women and men to live in optimum health. Tanya can be contacted via her website or her Facebook page.
