|
1 June 2005
Prevent packing on vacation pounds
The skinny on
travel and diet
By Terry Riley
If the past behavior of vacationers is any indication of their behavior
this coming vacation season—and it is—we are likely to see travelers
packing more than T-shirts and souvenirs when they head home. They are
likely to be carrying some extra pounds too.
Many people
actually expect to gain weight while on vacation, not because
they want to but because they have no guidance on how to prevent it. To
help you avoid returning home heavier than when you left—and in a shameless plug for my book,
The
Complete Travel Diet—I offer up the following five tips.
1. EAT
While you may not expect to find "eat" as a dieting tip, it is
essential to any viable weight-loss or weight-maintenance program. While
traveling to your destination, you may go for many hours without the
opportunity to find food. Not good. Putting your body in this state of
deprivation will cause it to conserve rather than burn fat, and it will
make you hungry—"famished" is the word you'll probably use—causing you to
overeat as soon as you get the chance. If you will be spending many hours
in transit, take along some healthful snacks to keep your body satiated.
2. KEEP HYDRATED
Low humidity in airplane passenger compartments pulls moisture from
your skin, and high temperatures at your destination can cause your body
to perspire. Both consequences redirect water that your digestive system
needs to function efficiently. Moreover, a stomach that is filled—even
with just water—can lessen the sense of hunger and help prevent you from
overeating. So drink plenty of water while on your way to your destination
and while you are there as well.
3. LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL
Alcohol and caffeine can act as diuretics—not the effect you are
seeking when trying to keep yourself hydrated.
4. WALK
Whenever possible, avoid using trams, moving sidewalks, people movers,
escalators, elevators or other mechanical conveyances. Take a hike rather
than a drive. Walk to the beach rather than hopping on a shuttle. Try to
get in some additional time moving rather than sitting and "vegging out."
You can easily burn a few extra hundred Calories a day just by walking.
5. ENJOY YOURSELF!
You're on vacation. It's time to unwind and enjoy yourself. Trying to
adhere to a strict routine can get in the way of that enjoyment. Instead
follow the principle of moderation. Sample smaller portions of a variety
of foods, and get out and see the sights.
© 2005 Applied Psychology
... and from Travel Fox:
|
|
