The summer months are a great time for vacation! Kids are off school, the sun is shining, and you have earned a break. However, when a lot of us finally get a chance to relax, we become too relaxed about what we are putting in our bodies.  This leads to us feeling guilty, tired, and not being able to enjoy our vacations to their full potential. Here are some tips to keep you feeling great on vacation!

1. Allow yourself to indulge SOMETIMES: When you are on vacation trying the delicious foods of that country is part of the experience. For example, you can’t go to Italy without having gelato, or you’re missing something! You can go to Italy and get that Gelato, just don’t have it as an afternoon snack, and then again for dessert. Try and keep treats limited to 1 a day.

2. Keep healthy snacks on hand: For a lot of people, when they are on vacation they eat out almost every meal. This means they are likely eating 3 big meals a day and no snacks. This causes blood sugar spikes, a slowed metabolism, hunger, and weight gain. Make sure you keep healthy snacks on hand, like fruit and nuts. This will help you make the right choices at meal times and eat less over all.

3. Share: When eating out on vacation, many people feel obligated to eat their whole meal. They have the mindset of not wanting to throw it out, and they do not have a fridge to store leftovers. Why not share your meal, the environment and your waist line will thank you.

4. Stay active: Vacation is the perfect time to be active! You can take a vacation away from your regular workout routine, but it is still important to move your body. Walking the beach, or renting bikes and seeing the local town can make a great activity!

5. Don’t eat till your stuffed: This sounds like a basic rule, but while on vacation many of us get out of the habit of listening to when we are actually hungry. We made a reservation time, and we are going to stick to that. As well, when we are on vacation we have the “I’m on vacation!!!! Wooo!!” mindset. This makes it harder to stop eating before we are stuffed. To help with this, just remember, you are on vacation, and you want to make the most of this vacation. Part of this means feeling great, and therefore not over eating.

To learn more about our Marvellous Monday blogger Aly Shoom visit her personal blog

http://www.alyshoom.wix.com/bodyalive