When vacationing,
nutrition can be the last thing on your mind, but there are a few things that
can be done to ensure you don’t fall completely off the wagon. Being in a new
place can often lead to unhealthy food choices and it can be far too easy to
succumb to the quick and readily available greasy breakfasts, fried foods and
pastries on the go. As a result, many of us end up eating stuff that under
normal circumstances we’d avoid!
I’m not saying
that EVERY meal has to be clean, after all, a vacation allows us to have some
wiggle room! But with my photoshoot less than a month away, and a trip to Vegas
squeezed in between, I thought it would be a great time to talk about how try
and be conscious and ensure my nutrition is supplemented with healthy choices.
What to pack:
Protein Powder: Not only do I plan to bring a pair of
sneakers and workout clothes, but individually scooped out portions of protein
powder will be a must to supplement my workouts. This is an easy way to
maintain your protein consumption, but light and doesn’t take up room in your
suitcase.
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| Taken from Isoflex Website |
Quick Oats and Flax: I’m usually starving first thing in
the morning and an easy thing to prepare in your hotel room is the following: 1 scoop of protein powder tossed into a
shaker cup along with ½ cup of oats and a few tablespoons of flaxseeds. This
"just-add-water" snack provides all three essential nutrients-proteins,
carbs, and fats. It’s filling and a great way to start the morning.
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| Google Images |
Snacks: are just as important. Creating your
own trail mix is an easy way to keep off the sweets while on the go. Try and
avoid store bought varieties that are often loaded with things you don’t want
like sugar, or excess salt. Create your
own with nuts of your choice like almonds, pecans, seeds (i.e. pumpkin,
sunflower), dried fruit (apples, apricots) and whole wheat pretzels. You’ll be
happy you did!
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| Taken from Google Images |
Tuna: Canned fresh water tuna or salmon are
readily available with the pop off lids. Add a rice cakes and you’re good to
go!
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| Google Images |
Protein Bar: One of my favourite on the go snacks is
the Iso-Bar. Its loaded with protein, and very filling. Usually I split the bar
in two and supplement with a fruit like a banana or apple.
Water: Don’t forget to consume water! We may
be tempted to go for the sugary drinks, and alcoholic beverages, but keep these
to a minimum.
What to eat out:
Now of course eating
out will be part of vacationing. Trying our new restaurants is always a fun experience
when away. Here are some healthy tips to
keep in mind:
Ask for Sauce on the side: whether is on your salad, topped on
your chicken.
Avoid Battered and Fried Foods: There are so many other great tasting
things on the menu, Try to go for the grilled variety.
Ask for substitutions or
modifications: These
days, many people have allergies, or have aversions to food. There’s nothing wrong
with asking if the chef will be able to modify a menu item.
Skip the bread: We’ve all been there. The basket of
bread waiting at the table to munch on before the entrée. Instead of having
half a roll, the basket somehow is emptied. By this time we end up filling up
on carbs, slathered with butter. Take time to enjoy the meal you’ve just
ordered rather than filling up on something that will be sure to leave you
feeling bloated and full.
I’ll be posting
an article shortly on the best things to order at restaurants by category soon!
What do you take with you on vaycay to
supplement your nutrition? How do you stay healthy?
