How to Stay Fit & Eat Healthy While on Vacation

Staying fit while on vacation is easier than it sounds. It’s just a case of planning ahead.

To stay fit on vacation, you need to focus on two things: diet and exercise.

Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to miss out on indulgent local cuisine or relaxing days at the beach. It’s just a case of moderation. You can experience exciting meals and eat healthy on vacation at once, if you have a plan and stick to it.

If you’re worried about ruining all your hard work at the gym with a blowout vacation to an all-inclusive resort or even your local beach town, don’t fret. Just follow our simple tips and you can easily stay fit and have a blast while you’re on vacation.

This is how to stay fit & eat healthy on vacation:

Abs are Made in the Kitchen

You might have heard this famous saying.

Well, it’s no understatement. The most important thing you’ll need to think about if you’re hoping to stay fit while on vacation isn’t exercise - it’s food.

So, the key to staying fit on vacation is what you eat. But don’t feel disheartened and start thinking you’ll miss out on meals. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Eating healthy on vacation can actually open you up to discovered brand new, delicious flavors you might never have experienced otherwise. For example, if you head to the Caribbean, you can try a local jerk chicken recipe or something even more adventurous, like iguana meat.

Eating healthy on vacation shouldn’t be a chore. In fact, when you visit the tropics, some of the most exciting authentic cuisine also happens to be really good for you. Make sure you ask local people about their favorite island-grown fruits and vegetables - we bet you’ll discover something new and tasty.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

If you’re off to an exotic destination it’s important to remain hydrated, even if fitness isn’t at the top of your agenda. If staying fit on vacation is important to you, drinking enough water should definitely be a focus.

Water is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to keeping healthy, as it can really make the difference between you keeping trim at the beach and piling on the pounds in the rum shack.

The act of traveling itself can leave you dehydrated. Have you noticed that your skin always feels dry and chapped after a long flight? That’s the dehydration at work before you’ve even arrived at your vacation destination. And you can bet a day at the beach won’t improve matters much.

Put water at the forefront of your mind and make sure you’re drinking adequate amounts all day long. That doesn’t mean you have to forgo the rum runners and strawberry daiquiris - it just means you might want to consider how much alcohol you’re drinking, so you can stay in control of your hydration.

Working on your water consumption has another big benefit, too. You won’t be blighted by a horrible vacation hangover.

Hit The Gym

Almost all hotels and resorts now come complete with their own fitness centers, many of which boast some very impressive equipment. Before you travel, find out whether your chosen resort has a gym and if so, you can also ask if it has the fitness machines you’d like to work out on.

When you arrive, a quick gym session is the perfect way to refresh and reset after a long journey. Not only will working out give you heaps of more energy, it’s also a great way to beat the fatigue of jet lag. And burning those extra calories will mean you’re free to indulge in a few more treats at dinner later on.

Try Water Sports

There are more ways to stay fit on vacation than by slogging it out at the gym. If you’re not a gym fan, why not try some more unusual sports? Water sports are a great way to stay fit while on vacation. Even if you’re a total novice, you can try your hand at all manner of different sports, from water skiing and surfing to kayaking and snorkeling.

Water sports are a great way to torch hundreds of calories, have fun, catch some rays and really make the most of your time on the beach.

Don’t be afraid to try something new - it could be the start of your new fitness fix.

Prep Like a Boss

If you’re not sure how to eat healthy on vacation, we’ve got one tip for you: be prepared. This goes for all healthy eating plans, but on vacation it’s even more important.

If you find yourself out and about and hunger strikes, you’ll likely be tempted to reach for the nearest snack, without really thinking about what that food contains. Instead, it’s much better to pack your own healthy snacks for the day. That way, you’ll never be tempted to derail your diet just because you’re famished.

Most resorts will be able to prepare healthy lunches for you if you notify them in advance. Just let your reception staff know of your plans and make them aware of your nutrition requirements, and you’ll be able to pick up a box of fresh, healthy treats to enjoy as you explore the tropics. This is a great option for those booking last-minute vacations.

How do you stay fit and eat healthy on vacation?

So, now that you know all there is to know about staying fit while on vacation, is it time to start thinking about your next adventure?

Whether you want to spend a week learning how to scuba dive in Barbados, you’re off surfing in Grenada or you’re planning an epic trek through the jungles of Martinique, there’s never been a better way to stay fit and have the time of your life while you’re at it.

We want to know your tips and tricks for staying in shape during vacation. Please use the comments section to discuss!