Healthy Habits for Your Spring Break Vacation
You’ve done well with your healthy eating habits and your fitness regimen all year so far. You’ve stuck with your New Year’s resolutions, and you’re feeling great. But now you look at the calendar and realize that spring break is just around the corner—and you have plans for an out-of-town trip. You sigh and wonder two things: “Will all my hard work be undone in this one week?” and “Will I be able to have fun if I try to stick to my healthy habits?”
At Performance Inspired, we understand your concern, and we want to help you answer no to the first question and yes to the second.
It may take a little effort to adhere to your healthy practices, but if you implement some or all of the following, you can have a great vacation, indulge in a few treats, and return home rejuvenated and feeling great—not only physically but mentally.
- Rent a home or a hotel room with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.
One of the main concerns we hear from people who lament their poor habits on vacations is that they struggle with eating out for every meal. Not only is eating out expensive, but it can be incredibly difficult to find healthy foods. If you have a kitchen and cook your own meals, you can limit the amount of meals you have to eat out and you can cook healthy foods.
- Eat salads with meals.
Skip the bread that is often served as an appetizer and opt for the salad—with minimal dressing or oil and vinegar. This will help you stay full and will ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
- Run or walk on the beach.
If your spring break trip involves a trip to the beach, take time every day to go for a walk or run on the beach. Or better yet, take both a morning and an evening walk.
- Swim in the hotel pool.
Chances are that you will want to get outside and enjoy the good weather, but taking 20 minutes before breakfast or bed to swim a few laps in the pool will not only help burn calories, but it will help you sleep and improve your mood.
- Go golfing or putt-putt.
Golfing 18 holes will help burn calories and will allow you to enjoy the fresh air. Playing putt-putt won’t burn as many calories, but it will get you moving. And chances are you will laugh and have a great time, which is beneficial for your mental health.
- Take walks.
It can be tempting to stay inside and relax in the evenings or to lounge on the beach all day, but force yourself to get up and move. Walk places when you can. Instead of driving or taking a car service, walk to the restaurant. Stroll through a nearby park or shopping area. Take the stairs when you can. Look for activities outside—such as visiting a zoo or botanical gardens—that require you to walk.
- Snack with smart foods.
It’s easy to fill up on junk food during a vacation. And it’s okay to indulge a bit. But don’t make it an all-day, everyday habit. Make sure to have plenty of healthy snacks on hand, including vegetables and fruit. For long days at the beach, hiking, or exploring a new town, take some Performance Inspired snacks. We offer protein bars and cookies that not only taste great but that are made with clean and healthy ingredients.
- Stay hydrated.
Water is essential to maintaining a healthy body. When on vacation, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not drinking enough water. You’re busy, you may not want to carry a bottle around, or you may not want to find yourself in search of a bathroom. But remember that water is vital for your body to function properly. Maintaining adequate hydration will keep you feeling satiated, so you don’t overeat. Performance Inspired offers a protein water that’s easily portable. Flavored with Stevia and real fruit juice, these waters come in four delicious flavors: island fruit punch, watermelon blast, blueberry lemonade, and rainbow sherbet. They are perfect to sip on when you’re lying on the beach or sitting outside enjoying the sun!
- Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep is one of the things that we crave on vacation. We take time off work to sleep in and relax. Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps with heart health, supports weight, strengthens your immune system, boosts your memory, and so much more. Conversely, according to UC Davis Health, “Not enough sleep or routinely getting broken sleep is linked with seven of the 15 leading causes of death in the U.S. These include: heart disease; cancerous tumors; diseases related to the brain, such as stroke and brain aneurysms; accidents; diabetes; sepsis; and high blood pressure.” Adults require seven to eight hours a night, so while you may be having lots of fun on vacation, don’t forgo the sleep!
We want you to have a fantastic spring break without ruining the healthy habits you have worked so hard to implement. So enjoy! But take care of your body. It’s the only one you get!
