5 Travel Hacks to Stay Healthy and On Track This Summer
Worried about the summer vacation lineup throwing your health and wellness goals off track? If your answer is yes, we feel you. The trips have been booked, beach days are planned, and the pool parties are ramping up, but we have 5 travel hacks to keep you on track this summer.
The inner child in us all still lights up at the thought of summer vacation. Yet if you struggle with digestive issues or are on a weight-loss regimen, pangs of anxiety might creep in at the thought of deviating from your usual groove.
We asked registered dietitians for their top tips to keep your digestion and weight goals on track while traveling this summer. (Hint: Preparation and exploration are encouraged in equal measure.)
The 5 Travel Hacks
1. Travel Hack: Plan Your Accommodations Strategically
When you’re in the planning stages, you might want to consider opting for a long-term rental (like an Airbnb or a vacation rental with a kitchen) versus a hotel. In this case, you can better control your food intake since you’re bringing or buying it yourself.
If you’re visiting [or staying with] family or friends, check in with the host and offer to bring what you need. After all, you don’t want to be stranded with limited choices or feel pressured to deviate from the foods that make you feel good.
2. Travel Hack: Always Pack Snacks
No matter where you go or stay, it’s always a good idea to bring your own healthy snacks. Doing so will help keep your energy levels up throughout the day, keep your hunger cues in check, and avoid feeling the need to buy less nutritious fare once you’ve officially crossed over into the hangry zone.
Lightweight, easy-to-carry snacks like dried prunes, nuts, and protein bars help to curb hunger, stabilize blood sugar levels, and prevent overeating during long stretches between meals.
Tip: HUM’s Flatter Me Fiber is another worthy add in your suitcase to curb cravings, debloat, and promote digestive regularity while traveling.
3. Travel Hack: Fill Up on Water Throughout the Day
Not only is staying hydrated crucial for your energy and well-being (especially in the summer); it’s also crucial to aid digestion, support weight loss, and reduce cravings for sugary drinks.
On top of opting for water as your beverage at mealtimes, be sure to pack your own reusable water bottle and carry (and refill) it all day long. While plain H2O is the gold standard, sparkling mineral water can add extra satisfaction.
4. Travel Hack: Prepare for Dining Out
Summer vacation often includes dining at restaurants, which can be tricky territory for some folks. If you want to stick as close to your typical regimen as possible, emphasize lean protein and extra veggies when dining out.
5. Travel Hack: Explore the Local Culinary Scene
While it can be helpful for your digestion and weight alike to keep things within your usual bounds, both dietitians suggest leaning into fresh, new, and local foods while on vacation. Embrace local and seasonal foods to enjoy a nourishing, unforgettable culinary experience.
Having a vacation means enjoying yourself. You may not stay on plan 100 percent, but if you plan ahead and give yourself grace for some wiggle room, you won’t need to suffer the consequences.
the following title: “The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Mental Health”
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In conclusion, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for mental health are numerous. By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, individuals can experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and greater overall well-being. If you are struggling with mental health issues, consider giving mindfulness and meditation a try – you may be surprised at the positive impact they can have on your life.