I often get asked about how I approach eating and staying healthy on vacation, as well as getting back to a normal routine afterwards. A vacation is a time to unwind, rejuvenate and explore new places. For me, one of the best things about travelling has got to be the delicious food, from the breakfast buffet to local delicacies, I often want to try it all! 

But how do you enjoy your vacation, and all the food and drinks on offer, without undoing all your hard work?

Follow these simple tips when you’re next away in order to get the best of both worlds.

1. Enjoy yourself

Of course you’re going to have a treat, you’re on vacation and you should enjoy it! You’re certainly not there to deprive yourself. Enjoying yourself over a few days won’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Don’t stress over food or exercise whilst you’re away, the most important thing is to have fun so you come home feeling ready to hit the ground running.

2. Resist the urge to splurge

For me it’s about having an 80:20 rule, where I eat healthily 80 percent of the time. I allow myself the occasional treat but I also think about all the fruit and vegetables I enjoy and eat more of those.

Try to make conscious choices about what you decide to eat, if there’s a buffet perhaps stick to just one plate rather than going up again. It sounds simple, but a lot of us have forgotten to pay attention to when we’re truly hungry. When you’re in the ‘I’m on vacation’ mindset it’s so easy to fall into the trap of eating until you’re too full. Try only eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re comfortable.

3. Stay active

If you have a hotel gym, why not make the most of it? Even if it’s just a 20 minute session before breakfast. If you get a quick workout done in the morning (especially if you’re in a hot climate) you’ll feel so much better for the rest of the day and will be able to relax as much as you like. 

You could also take your exercise outside, try exploring the local area on foot or do a quick workout on the beach. You’ll even find active tours in a lot of major cities, they cover everything from running to biking and hiking. Active tours are a great way to see new places and learn fun facts about where you are.

If you find yourself needing to cool off by jumping in the pool every half an hour while sunbathing try doing a few lengths each time. Getting your heart rate up is not only good for your cardiovascular health it will also boost your mood and energy. Win win!