How to Not Gain Weight or Even Lose Weight on Vacation

It’s really easy to gain up to 5 extra pounds on vacation. You’re out of your routine; you don’t have your normal eating patterns, and don’t have as easy access to your staple foods.

Well it’s actually pretty easy to stay on track while on vacation if you’re prepared….and you might even lose some weight!

First thing you should always do is drink a lot of water. Start first thing in the morning so you’re more full during that breakfast buffet. Staying hydrated will give you more energy throughout the day so you’re more likely to take those day excursions, go for a hike up a mountain, or take that walk on the beach. (Doing all these extra activities is how you can actually lose weight).

Next is to pack snacks. Whether you’re flying or driving, pack apples, bananas, nuts, protein bars (healthy ones), or food to keep you full between meals. This way you don’t totally pig out when you’re eating out all the time and you don’t let your blood sugar get to low so you eat even more.

Third, eat dessert…..but just not the entire piece. Have some cheesecake, but just a bite. Have a piece of pie, but just a bite. You don’t have to skip out on everything, BUT if you don’t eat dessert every day, then why start eating a ton now.

Lastly, be careful what you drink. Mixed, girlie drinks like Margaritas or Pina Coladas can have up to 800 calories each. This is like two dinners, do you really need that? Have a wine spritzer, or a mixed drink with soda water instead of juice to save on calories….and most importantly drink water in between cocktails.

Follow these tips and you’re more likely not to feel guilty after your vaca ends!

Written by: Jaime Gesl

To know more about Jaime or any of our trainers, go to the About Fit Life tab.

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How Many Calories Should I Eat?

This is a big question in the fitness Industry, and there is no one size fits all for this question. There are 3 things that have to be taken into account when figuring out calories:                              

Age

Body type

Activity level

A 40 year old man is definitely not going to need as many calories as a 20 year old. Furthermore, a woman who just walks 5x a week will not need as many calories as a woman who weight trains regularly.

Beyond this, not all calories are equal. Calories from fast food are not equal to a diet of organic vegetables and meats that are hormone free. Calories are important but nutrients are more important.

That being said, the average woman that doesn’t drink and eats pretty clean, and has a well-rounded exercise routine will need between 1500 & 2000 calories. Men in the same situation will need between 2500 & 3000. This may change greatly depending on what the end goal is……Obviously if you want to gain weight you may need more calories and if you want to lose weight, it may be on the lower end.

Written by: Gordon Schrader

To know more about Gordon or any of our trainers, go to the About Fit Life tab.