6 Ways to Stay Healthy on Summer Vacation
A vacation is the perfect way to break free from the routine, but it doesn’t have to mean taking a break from living well! If you’re like 1/3rd of Americans, you’ll be taking a trip this August – and we want to make sure you get the most out of your time off. Whether you plan to travel to somewhere faraway or just relax in your backyard, everyone can benefit from these 6 ways to stay healthy on summer vacation!
1. Skip the Tour Bus
Everyone’s idea of a great vacation is different. Some people like to head to the coast for beautiful ocean views; others want to get off the beaten path and immerse themselves in nature. Then, there are those who just want to hang out at home without having to worry about work.
No matter where you plan on going, we recommend avoiding the seated tours and getting out to enjoy the scenery on your own terms! There are a ton of fun summer activities to keep your body moving – from swimming and hiking to playing outside with your family – all while taking in the natural beauty around you.
If you plan to spend your time off visiting new places, try touring at your own pace. Exploring on foot is a great way to keep active, and as an added bonus, you might even find yourself better immersed in your destination! Or, if you’re the staycation type, check out a local park or hiking trail to see your surroundings in a whole new light!
2. Pack Snacks
Whether your family is settled in for a long car-ride, a day at the beach, or a relaxing afternoon by the pool, you’re going to end up getting hungry. For a great way to snack smart, prepare some delicious, nutritious snacks ahead of time. Next time you’re looking for ideas try:
- Fresh fruits and peanut butter
- Yogurt with berries or nuts
- Vegetables and hummus
- Home-made trail mix
- A deli meat and cheese roll-up
These snacks are easy-to-pack in small portions, making them perfect for travel – and for reassurance that no one will fill up before dinner!
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water while relaxing is just as important as it is when we exercise! No matter what you’re doing with your time off, be sure to stay hydrated as it gives us extra mental energy so we can make the most out of a jam-packed day and helps regulate body temperature to keep us cool in the sweltering summer heat.
Spending time outdoors, especially in the summer, can quickly tire us out and dehydrate us, especially once we get sweating. By drinking water regularly, we can actually prevent headaches, cramps, and sprains. Talk about a great reason to stay hydrated all year long!
4. Catch Some Zzz’s
85% of mammals are polyphasic sleepers, which means they sleep periodically throughout the day. Although humans aren’t technically part of that group, we can still learn from them – by working in a few catnaps while on vacation!
A nap can help boost your alertness and give you the energy you need for an eventful day. As an extra bonus, it has a wealth of mental benefits – like improving mood, making it easier to learn, and heightening our senses. Taking a nap can break up our day and feel like a mini-vacation, so be sure to add them to your routine!
5. Choose Energizing Meals
Vacations are known to be a tempting excuse to avoid eating well, but healthy habits work best when we really stick to them! Typical “vacation foods” tend to be high in fat, fried, and lacking in nutritional value.
These foods won’t just leave you hungry and wanting more, they can actively get in the way of your vacation! Sugar-crashes can leave you feeling sluggish and unable to participate in all the plans you made for your trip, and heavy, oily foods can make us feel nauseous if we get up and moving after eating.
We recommend making healthy meals a part of your vacation plan! By eating foods that are filling and packed with vitamins, so you can spend more time focused on fun with the family. If you’re spending vacation at home this year, use this as a chance to try a new recipe that you can add to your regular dinner routine, and make a game out of cooking together with everyone!
6. Make Amazing Memories
Another great way to stay healthy while on vacation – and all year long – is to focus on making memories! Take time to spend with your loved ones and reflect on what matters to you. Living well while on vacation doesn’t have to be any different than maintaining a healthy lifestyle the rest of the year, but paying extra attention to all the good times can help remind you why you’re working towards your goals!
This positive mindset can improve your quality of life and provide you with the motivation to keep moving forward. For Jean-Marie, she worked towards living healthier and found that her whole opinion on summer changed! Just take a look:
At NYBG, we want to help everyone feel great and live healthy. That’s why we provide the best care with the most up-to-date procedures for losing weight! Our experienced staff assists every patient along each step of their journey, from the first consultation to long after they’ve had their procedure. Reach out to us and we will work hard to ensure that you will be making wonderful memories for many years to come!
Come to NYBG.
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:
- 9 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics
- 15,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- 24/7 access to online seminars
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Since 2000, we boast 18 years of success!
Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today.
