Trips are associated with a time of relaxation and rest. Most of us want to reward ourselves for our hard work and not think about commitments. The matter gets complicated if we are in the process of striving for our dream figure or want to avoid returning from a trip with extra pounds. So is it worth bothering with taking care of your diet? How to eat on a trip so as not to waste the results achieved so far?
- Change in attitude
However, if we return from our trips with major changes in our physique and do not see the point in starting all over “again” then the reason should be sought deeper. Often the most important thing is to change the approach. We encounter many temptations on trips, especially during the holiday season, which is associated with numerous events, parties, barbecues or vacations. In the minds of many people, a belief develops that since these occasions occur frequently, we are doomed to fail from the start and there is no point in continuing to change our diet now. This results in a lack of control, as well as an acquiescence to total debauchery. If we add to this the preceding reduction period, the desire to reward ourselves with the associated hardship is stronger, and the hunger for forbidden food increases much more than in people who have not been on this reduction.
It is important not to write off our results and get rid of the “all or nothing” belief. It leads to going from extreme to extreme. In fact, we won’t be able to operate at full speed and give our best at all times. If we’ve been doing well so far, it will also be so after the vacations, and a week or two of rest will not affect our results. Most often we overeat what we forbid ourselves, so setting more prohibitions for ourselves will not end well. The most important thing is to realize that you can enjoy the pleasures of the trip, but with your head. - Rest your head
If we are currently in the process of weight loss, especially long-term weight loss, we are exposing our body to a kind of stress. The body begins to defend itself against further weight loss, the feeling of hunger increases, the desire to train decreases, fatigue appears. In this case, such a trip can be helpful to let the body rest and recover for a while. The absence of guilt and a break from dieting will have a positive effect on at least a decrease in cortisol – the stress hormone. It’s worth letting go of the critical view of yourself so that you can come back after the trip with a clear head and motivation to keep going. - NEAT
One of the key elements is to include physical activity on trips. And we’re not talking about doing an hour-long workout at a nearby gym. We’re talking about taking up spontaneous activity such as simple walks, exploring the city or biking along an interesting route in the area. If you don’t like to spend time actively, dream of lying on a deck chair with a book, but also don’t overeat on vacation, your figure shouldn’t suffer. However, if you want to allow yourself to do more without worrying about extra pounds, just add a simple walk after lunch and stay on the move. This will allow you to take full advantage of local food and restaurants, plus you’ll increase your chances of getting to know the city better.
- Liquid calories
However, what about when restaurant use is involved? Then it is worth focusing on small choices that seem insignificant, but make a difference in the weekly balance. First of all, liquid calories should be taken into account. Every serving of juice, sweetened drinks and especially colored drinks is not indifferent. Liquids alone will not satiate, and alcohol can even increase appetite. It is worth limiting them, choose zero options or pure water. - Vegetables and protein
If you have the opportunity to compose your own meal, try to fill most of your plate with vegetables, which will help control satiety. Let’s not completely delete them from the menu for the duration of the trip. It is also important to include protein in your meals, which will also inhibit hunger attacks. Simply applying these two rules will allow you to create a healthy meal that will satiate you for longer. All we need to do is to intersperse healthy meals with recreational ones, so as not to impose too much on ourselves. This will be much simpler to fulfill and we won’t feel like we’re missing out on something. - Include desserts as meals
Trips are also a time to sample local cuisine. If we introduce extra caloric desserts or dishes between the main meals, it’s a good idea to include them as at least an afternoon snack or second breakfast. We will have more control if we remember how much of this food we actually consume. Often it is snacking that turns out to be the nail in the coffin. We usually do it out of boredom when we don’t feel hungry.
Enjoying a trip without worrying about extra pounds is as possible. There is no need to give up all the pleasures, but you also can’t lose yourself and forget all the habits you have developed. It is worth making compromises and conscious choices that will help us return from the trip rested, satisfied and without extra pounds.