How to not gain weight on vacation

How to not gain weight on vacation (and eat healthier too!)
By Jocelyn Sidwell  April 2019

Let’s face it, it’s hard to not gain weight while traveling.  Those pounds can creep on with every pina colada and vast amount of foods on buffets we all HAVE to try.  So how can you eat healthy, maintain weight and have more energy to enjoy every moment?  Here are my pointers to keeping it light and simple on vacation.

Airplane Snacks
Bring your own TSA approved snacks with you.  Protein bars, jerky (watch the unnecessary processed additives), dried fruit and nuts are all great choices to throw in your carry on. Pay extra attention to those airport smoothies too.  Just because it looks healthy it can be packed with sugar and calories (some top out at 600 calories and 114g of sugar!)

Get a high-protein bar made with creamy cashews and a touch of mesquite that provides its naturally
sweet, caramel flavor  here

​Get snackable jerky with a crunch that has 100% grass fed beef here

Airplane Food
Airplane food is a tough one.  They have to pack it full of sodium and sugars to preserve it.  Try to bring a healthy meal option on board with you.  You can also make room in your carry on for noodle bowls and oatmeal bowls, all you have to do is ask for hot water.  Purely Elizabeth and Right Foods have great options. If you must eat the airplane food, start with the side salad and protein.  Ask for additional toppings like dressings and sauces on the side. 

Get bright antioxidant ingredients combine with
gluten-free oats, quinoa, flax and chia in this
delicious new breakfast cup here

Get goodness on the go with always healthy, convenient, affordable, sustainably packaged, made without added oil, vegan, and plant-based here

Buffets and All Inclusive 
Just because it’s all available doesn't mean you have to eat it all. Section your plate with protein, carbs and a little fat, eat slowly and you truly don't have to go back for seconds. For breakfast, look for fruit and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner stick to fresh vegetables and local proteins.  Good news is most of the buffets are the same foods everyday so you can try a little each day and not all at once.

 Eating Out
Savor the local cuisine with apps and a la carte options to share with everyone.  You can try more and will usually eat less.  Stay away from too many fried foods and ask for sauces on the side.  Make your meals enjoyable on vacation, be mindful and take in everything around you not just what’s on your plate. 

Drinks
Who doesn't love a fruity cocktail laying on the beach?  They can be upwards of 800 calories per drink; multiply that times 4 and…. actually don't do that math!  I’m not saying your can’t enjoy yourself just have one a day. Switch to vodka or tequila and soda water with a little fresh fruit squeezed.  You will save yourself the calories and sugar crash.  Don’t forget to drink LOTS of water too.  

Vacation is just that, vacation!  We all indulge but be mindful of your indulgence.  Stick to these pointers and you could save yourself the additional weight gain. So you overdo it, so what.  Watch your intake the next day and hydrate.  Making memories and enjoying a stress free time is what’s important. Here is an easy hangover breakfast to help you through that rough morning too. Enjoy and go have fun!

​References: Lose it! 

Check out @jocelynlevellifestyle and @level.lifestyle on Instagram and Facebook for all your recipe and nutrition needs

Hangover  Avocado toast

Ingredients:
1 piece of toast 
1/2 an avocado, smashed
1/2 a lemon squeezed on top
1/4 tsp sea salt

Top with your choice (and what's available to you) 
2 asparagus spears or 1/4 cup shredded greens
2 ounces of salmon, 1 egg or 1/8 cup nuts or seeds

Directions:
Smashed and spread 1/2 an avocado on your toast.  Squeeze lemon juice on top with sea salt. Add any topping choices that are available to you.

*Bonus tip:  Drink with 1/2 coconut water if it's available