Survive a vacation without packing on the pounds

I've found that the excuse, "I'm on vacation," has been uttered about 151 times this last week. This excuse has been used to eat loads of fat-laden and high-calorie foods at nearly every meal, hit the snooze button instead of going for a morning run and used as an excuse to go to bed at an unearthly hour each night. Why is it that when our schedule or routine is shattered, even with something as fun as a vacation, our healthy habits get conveniently discarded? I'm going to nail it down to poor-planning. You don't have to gain 5-10 pounds every time you go on vacation if you spend a little time beforehand exploring your options. Think of it as part of the research and packing process.

Before you go: 

1) Find out if you'll have workout facilities available to you. Does the hotel you are staying at have a gym or pool? Are there walking/jogging paths nearby? Is there a park where you could do some outdoor exercises? (If you are planning to exercise outdoors, make sure you do some research and find some helpful exercise routines so you don't just wander around wasting your vacation time.)

2) Try to plan some heart-pumping activities during your vacation. Is there a nice mountain hike you could take? A scuba or snorkeling class? Could you rent some bikes and sight-see that way? Get creative, you'll be surprised how much your vacation could be enhanced by adding these activities in. The calorie-burning effects will just be an added bonus.

3) Don't forget to pack your exercise clothes! Make sure you bring all the necessary equipment that you'll need to work up a good sweat. Don't let this become your new excuse!

While on your vacation:

1) You don't need to get drinks, appetizers, a huge fatty entree and dessert at every meal. Of course there will be local cuisine that will be worth the calorie-splurge, but try to eat sensibly during the rest of your meals. 

2) Try to find some local produce or a farmer's market and stock up on some healthy snacks. Not only will the local food be healthier, but it will taste so much better than groceries that have been shipped from across the country.

3) Plan out your workouts. Usually early mornings work out best for me during a vacation (while the rest of my family sleeps in), but look over your schedule and make a plan. Write it down and keep these appointments as you would any other.

4) Have fun, but remember to keep your health in mind. Not only will you feel better and have more energy to enjoy your time away, but you won't get back with an extra five pounds as a souvenir.