7 Tips for a Healthier Spring Break

Whether you’re traveling for spring break or taking a stay-cation at home, having the week off is no excuse to let your health take a back seat! If you’re planning on having some fun during spring break and wondering how to maintain your health and fitness routine, look no further! We’ve got 7 tips for a healthier spring break.

1. Don’t skip workouts:  You might be on vacation, but that doesn’t mean your workouts should be. Even if you’re at a hotel or somewhere without access to your normal gym equipment, there are still ways to fit in some fitness. Go for a walk or run on the hotel grounds or pack some small free weights or a resistance band for some quick weight training in your hotel room.
2. Walk when you can:  If you feel like you’re not getting enough exercise or maybe you overindulged in one too many desserts, sneak in some walks. If you’re eating out a lot, suggest walking to and from the restaurant (within a reasonable distance). Walking before and after you eat is a great way to burn some extra calories and is sure to make you feel less guilty about that big bowl of pasta you might have just eaten.
3. Avoid crash diets:  We all want to look good for our vacations and many people try to lose weight as quickly as possible. But don’t fall into the trap of a too-good-to-be-true crash diet. You’ll be exhausted by the time your vacation starts, and you’ll be more likely to overindulge in all of the things you’ve been depriving yourself of. Plus, any weight you lost by using extreme measures is sure to come back twice as quickly as your metabolism tries to adjust.
4. Drink in moderation:  While partying on spring break seems like a given, try your hardest not to overindulge. Alcohol is loaded with empty calories and sugar, especially if you’re drinking those delicious fruity cocktails beachside. If you do opt to drink, go for things like vodka and club soda or a light beer since they’re lower in calories than most alcoholic beverages. Also, make sure you’re drinking a full glass of water between each drink. Staying hydrated will help you to avoid a hangover the next day.
5. Pack healthy snacks:  If you’re poolside at the resort, it’s easy to wave over a server and order a platter of fries or a cheeseburger when that afternoon hunger hits. Avoid this by packing some healthy snacks for your trip, like granola or protein bars or a big bag of almonds. When you start to feel hungry, reaching for one of these healthier options will not only make you feel better mentally but will help keep you fuller longer than the greasier less healthy options.
6. Don’t skip meals:  It’s easy to get caught up in all the different activities during spring break but you have to remember to eat during all the commotion! Skipping meals will make you feel terribly hungry and by the time you’re sitting down to eat, you won’t even think about what option is healthiest when the waiter comes around to take your order. This is also where those snacks you brought from home can be of great help. A protein bar or a few handfuls of almonds will help keep the hunger at bay when you’re nowhere close to your next meal.
7. Keep track of calories:  Yes, calories count as much on the weekends and on vacation as they do any other day of the week. When you’re on spring break, order a side of steamed veggies with your meal instead of french fries. Or if you’re at the breakfast buffet, skip the Belgian waffle bar and fill your plate with some fresh fruit and yogurt. It’s especially important to monitor the number of calories in your food if you plan on drinking alcohol during your vacation, as the number can grow rapidly if you’re not taking them both into account.

Staying healthy during spring break doesn’t have to be hard! By making a few easy and healthy choices each day, you can be sure to stay on track with your health and fitness goals no matter where you are.  If you need help staying healthy during Spring Break contact us!