Summer holiday’s and over indulgence more often than not go hand-in-hand, and why not? You’re taking a relaxing break from the norm and daily routine, it’s a time to treat yourself and try the local delicacies. Seeing the sights and enjoying new and wonderful foods are all part of the experience. Kick back and relax and forget about home for a week or so. If you’re like the rest of the general public there is always that fear that you may potentially pile on the pounds as a result of the holiday excess and this will most likely stop you from enjoying yourself and your food.
My approach to eating on holiday is to enjoy myself and not go off my usual eating habits too much by making wiser choices in the restaurants, allowing myself treats such as ice cream and pizza when I fancied it. We also tend to do a lot of walking and swimming as our form of gentle exercise. There was no way that I’m going to hit the gym on holiday, but I generally enjoy being able to move and exploring the local boutiques and hiking is perfect for this. Most of the time, I think I manage to maintain a pretty healthy balance while on holiday and there are a few things that help me along the way:
Dedicate a section of your plate to veggies
Sectioning off your plate into three parts for protein, vegetables and carbohydrates can help increase your consumption of vegetables whilst on holiday. Allocate half of your plate to vegetables or salad and then a quarter to protein and the other quarter to carbohydrates. This way you can still enjoy all of your favourite foods in reasonable amounts, but still, get a veggie packed and nutritious meal to boot.
Make healthier choices at breakfast
It’s very tempting to get carried away with the buffet breakfasts and go up several times for more helpings. I tended to alternate my days where I would opt for lighter breakfasts consisting of fruit and yoghurt and on other days I would check out the continental breads, pastries and cheeses for balance. This way I got the best of both worlds over the duration of the holiday and don’t feel like I’m missing out. Also, starting the day with a healthy breakfast means that you are already on the right path to a good day of food with treats included.
Portion control
Let’s be honest, when on holiday it is very easy to let those portion sizes slide. I found that the portions on holiday tended to be larger than my regular portions at home and on the odd occasion I couldn’t quite finish all of my food. I’m all for giving your body what it needs, but listening to your body also means knowing when you are full and eating consciously. Of course, still enjoy the food on offer, but remember to keep your portions in check as you may end up eating more food that your body needs.
Be realistic
Going on holiday is no time to diet and lose weight; it’s time to have fun! I’m a firm advocate of a healthy balance and believe that being restrictive and banning certain foods can lead to gorging on unhealthy foods later on. It’s more about maintenance and not going too overboard, but still remembering to enjoy yourself too.
Stay hydrated
More often than not, when our bellies rumble we automatically think that we are hungry. However, hunger pangs can also signify thirst. Before reaching for a snack to quench your hunger try drinking a glass of water first to make sure that you are not thirsty. Obviously, if the hunger persists then reach for that snack. Additionally, drinking water over fizzy drinks will cut down your sugar intake massively, keep you hydrated and keeps your skin looking radiant. You can also add a slice of lemon or lime to jazz it up a bit. But, don’t forget to treat yourself to a cheeky cocktail…or three!
Keep moving
Even though I never hit the gym while on holiday I still felt better and comforted by doing lots of walking and swimming. I never push myself with either of these, but the gentle exercise seems to help and, of course, it’s always nice to maintain a fitness level while away. Exercise can come in many forms whether it’s playing tennis, hiking or water sports. On holiday, you will be having so much fun that you won’t even realise that you’re exercising.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun! There is no point worrying about piling on the pounds on holiday as you might as well have stayed at home. I’ve found myself following many of these tips and found they really helped me keep some kind of perspective whilst I was away – eat what I want but make healthy choices too. Ideally, the key is to balance things out with lots of water and veggies to mitigate the blow of all that delicious food.
Great tips I’m going away in November with my family and worry about gaining weight as I already need to loose quite a bit.
You will be fine. Just enjoy yourself and everything will fall into place.
Thank you so so much for this! We’re heading to Corfu in a couple of weeks and while I won’t be dieting on holiday I still want to make sure I am making healthy choices so I don’t totally take my eye off the ball. I’ve pinned this post so I can keep a check while away 🙂
Thanks for pinning Ami! I hope you have a wonderful time in Corfu – have fun!
Great tips – I tried to stick to most of these while I was away but sometimes you just have to relax and enjoy yourself with an ice cream or two 🙂
Definitely, and that’s exactly my point! 🙂
I pretty much eat what I want on holiday, but I think I’m so tuned to eating healthily anyway that making wise choices happens anyway. That does include indulging in cakes and ice cream (mainly the latter). I’m afraid I am one of those who does hit the gym while on hols though – it’s my ‘me’ time away from the family to catch my breath. Tx
Great to hear that you’re so in tune with your body and know what it needs. I just can’t do the gym while I’m away.
Tips I know of, but need to really push myself to keep! Thanks for the reminder and break down. 🙂
My pleasure! 🙂
I absolutely need to take your advice!! Hahaha this summer I’ve just been going all out and I’m sure I’m putting weight on as a result!!
It’s nice to let go sometimes though. Things always balance themselves out in the end.
I always enjoy myself on holiday but notice that most of the time the heat just makes me crave a lot of fresh food anyway, so in turn I actually up my consumption of salads, fruit and water! Pair that with all the walking, I don’t think I do too bad. The only downfall is the ice creams and alcohol xx
I’m mad about ice creams at the moment in the warm muggy heat. I’m drawn to more fresh produce too and lots of water.
These are great tips – I also alternate between healthier breakfasts and pastries/cooked breakfasts whilst on holiday. Mostly because I LOVE breakfast and I want to try it all but also it feels more balanced.
I can’t resist the pastries at the breakfast buffet. I always have to work hard not to eat them. It always feels like a treat when I do.
Portion control is key! I find that if I just allow myself tastes, it’s satisfying enough and I don’t need the whole pie or cake or what be it.
So true! Sometimes you just need a little bit to satisfy a craving and that’s all.
I had Pimms on my holiday. Way I saw it i was getting my 5 a day to with all the fruit they put in haha 😀
Hahaha! I love that Pimms was part of your 5-a-day! 😀
I want to enjoy a holiday and not worry about eating unhealthy food. We keep fairly active with lots of walking, so I don’t see anything wrong with having some ice cream, or some pancakes for breakfast. We often share something like that anyway, as often you just fancy a taste but don’t need the huge portion.
Exactly, it’s all about having some perspective and not feeling guilty for enjoying yourself and eating more indulgent foods. Sounds like you’ve got a lovely balance!
Useful tips! I always overdo it a bit on holiday and then really regret it afterwards!
Oh, you should never feel guilty for enjoying yourself.
I have to admit I am rubbish at making healthier choice on holiday – the chips seem to win in the end! Recently though I have been trying to have more fish and we always walk a lot, so that is good
I think it all balances out in the end. It’s about having fun and enjoying yourself too.
I always end up giving up doing this on holiday! I’ll be healthy a month before though
Haha! Most of us do I think.
I lose all self-control regarding food when travelling! Love these tips and will keep them in mind for my next trip.
Thanks Emily!
It is so difficult to stay healthy on holiday with all those ice creams, cocktails and desserts on offer. That said, I found I ate more fruit and veggies than usual, and did eat three meals a day, which I don’t always do.
So much temptation when you’re away isn’t there!
One of my goals for the summer is to make healthier choices! These tips are so helpful!
Glad you found it helpful. 🙂
Fantastic tips here – i am totally guilty of throwing the diet out the window and overindulging on junk food whilst on holiday so these will come in super handy! Thank you xx
Great to hear that you found it really useful Vikki!
To be perfectly honest – I go crazy on holiday haha! It’s so silly, but I love my food & I love to try EVERYTHING! Maybe I should think about taking some of these tips on board!
I think it’s perfectly fine to go crazy on holiday. You’re there to enjoy yourself!
Great tips – I am never healthy on holiday though I basically eat everything haha
Hahaha! The food is always so tasty though. I don’t blame you!
I always tend to try and eat the same sort of things as I usually do but just add in the occassional treat x
That’s such a great approach to have Rhian! 🙂
Great tips, I will be following them when we go on holiday in a few days! 🙂
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Great to hear that you found the post helpful!
Great tips. I was really good this holiday and ate loads of salads but then that is normally what i crave when it’s hot which is handy 😉
That’s super handy! 🙂
Great tips! I always over do it on holiday, but I also don’t seen to have the same appetite when I’m in the sun x
Thanks, Laura! Yes, I always find that the heat reduces my appetite too.
It can be difficult to make healthy choices when you are on holiday because temptation is everywhere but being realistic is a good way of managing cravings!
I think we definitely need to be realistic rather than restrictive on holiday.
Thanks for sharing your tips. I go on holiday quite often so really think that I should heed your advice. I think having a healthy brekkie is definitely the way to go xxx
My pleasure Laura! 🙂
I’m away on my holidays soon and these tips are fantastic! I love your idea of alternating breakfasts so that you get to eat both healthy and decadent optinos
Thanks, Sally! I think it definitely helps reign things in a bit without you really noticing.
Great tips. I always have to remind myself to keep drinking whilst on holidays. For some reason, I find it more difficult to stay hydrated when I’m on the go than I do at home.
It’s so easy to go wild on holiday and forget about any healthy eating habits you have at home. I try to follow some of these tips – great list!x
Many people struggle with eating right whilst on holidays, I know I am one of them (most of the time) but now I am realistic and always include some healthier options. Lovely tips
Great tips! I’m currently on holiday and trying desperately to stay healthy but failing miserably. Maybe this will help me get back on track!