Tips on Healthy Traveling For Families
Spring break is here and many of us are preparing for a nice weeklong vacation. What a relief!
Quality family time is our highest priority; but, let’s not forget that our good nutrition is a way of life that we shouldn’t leave it at home.
So let’s talk about how to stay in balance while traveling, relaxing, and having a great time with your family.
It all starts with Travel Day…
1. Smoothies for everyone!!! Even when you are up and at ’em to get an early start (like at 4AM to catch an early flight!!!), having your smoothie to start your day of travel will make a big difference in how you and your kids will feel all day.
2. Hydrate!!! Have water with you and hydrate. Especially avoid sugary drinks – they can have 16 or more teaspoons of sugar in one bottle. They don’t quench your thirst and your kids don’t need the sugar rush.
3. Bring snacks and your own lunch… peeled orange or nectarine, apples, dried fruit, dark chocolate, nuts, homemade trail mix and wraps, etc. By having ready snacks and healthy food on hand at all times, you will keep yourself from arriving at your destination feeling totally starved. So, instead of being Starvin’ Marvins ready to wolf down large volumes of whatever when you finally arrive (or, worse yet on the road), you are feeling good and ready to enjoy your good times.
Once you arrive, your number 1, 2, and 3 priorities are to RELAX and have FUN!
Here’s how to stay in balance so that you get the most pleasure out of your vacation indulgences:
1. A fruit heavy breakfast. Maybe not a smoothie but always try to include a large fruit salad and juice in your morning menu. It will keep you feeling light and energetic all morning long.
2. Stay Green. While indulging on some non-green treats, make sure that there is still plenty of green in your meals. Salads, soups, especially vegetable-based soups, grilled or steamed vegetables and other good side dishes are a wonderful complement to whatever treats you choose to enjoy.
3. Hydrate!!! I sound like a broken record; but, the multiple benefits of hydration (especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors) are just as important on vacation.
4. Walk a lot. And, exercise if you can. If you are on a sight-seeing trip, walk wherever possible. If on the beach, walk the beach. At the end of the day you will be a healthy kind of tired that will make it easy to sleep well at night.
5. Catch up on your Z’s. If not now, then when?
By sticking to these principles, you will find it easier to relax, have fun and truly enjoy treating yourself to guilt-free pampering! And, isn’t that what a vacation is all about?
Happy Spring Break!
With love,
Renata
