Stay-Fit Secrets for Your Summer Vacation

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you need to give your guilt-free eating and exercising habits a break. Check out these tips from HG!

In The Air



Not only is airline food, um, not that good, it's also carby and high in calories. If you do get some in-flight grub, go with some kind of fruit and cheese plate, then go easy on the cheese and focus on the fruit. Or ask for a turkey or chicken sandwich, and remove the high-cal, high-fat items (cheese, mayo, avocado). Your best bet is to just bring food and snacks from home on board. Many in-terminal eateries also offer a variety of overpriced salads, but they're better than trying to survive a 6-hour flight on a tiny pack of salted peanuts or pretzels.
 
Don't expect to burn a lot of calories in the air, but if you do feel guilty just sitting there, here are a couple of exercises you can do:

- Plant your heels and raise your toes into the air. Hold for five seconds then relax.

- Put your hands on your armrests and raise your knees slowly toward your chin. Then lower slowly.

- Cross your legs. Rotate the dangling foot in a wide circle. Switch and repeat.

- Squeeze a pair of (clean!) socks with your hands.

 
On the Ground

Most hotels have fitness centers and staff members that can explain how to use the futuristic or ancient equipment (it always seems to be one or the other). Swimming laps in the hotel pool is also a great way to stay in shape (and a good excuse to buy a new swimsuit).
 
Why not use your sightseeing time to exercise? Unpack your walking shoes, grab some bottled water (from a nearby store, not that overpriced mini-bar!), and head out exploring. Many hotels can suggest routes, or (if you have a car) drive around and check the odometer to plan one based on how many miles you want to walk. It's a great way to combine your workout and sightseeing!

At the Restaurant

You're on your vacay, and you've been snacking on the low-cal, low-fat stuff you packed all day instead of fattening on-the-go food (good job!). Now it's time for a nice dinner, but you're at some out-of-town restaurant and don't know the menu. Fear not, we're here for you...
 
- Many restaurants know tourists want healthy options and will have lil' pictures of apples, smiley-faces, or hearts that mean "this is good for you"!

- Avoid the breadbasket! Order broth-based soup or a small salad as a starter instead.

- Consider ordering a couple of things from the appetizer or lunch menu instead of an oversized dinner entree.

- Go with the grilled, baked, or broiled food rather than fried or breaded.

- Sideline those sauces! That way you can control the amounts. For your greens, go with a vinegar-based dressing (especially ones called "light" or "fat-free"). For your main meal, stick with tomato bases instead of anything creamy.

- Try to check out the menu (or call and ask about it) before you head out. Hotels often provide menus and phone numbers for nearby eateries.

- Just like you should never grocery shop hungry, don't hit up dinner famished either. Have a light snack before dinnertime. You're more likely to make better choices when your stomach's not growling.
 
Most importantly, remember that you're on vacation and you're there to enjoy yourself. So eat well -- but have fun doing it!

Hungry For More?

Check out Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World. The book's a New York Times Best Seller, and it's packed with 165 super-easy and delicious recipes, survival guides for eating out, and so much more!

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