Traveling can absolutely make it harder to stay on track with your health and fitness.  I do think that it’s ok to have a few treats and you don’t need to eat perfectly while away from home (or when at home for that matter), but I have found it is fairly simple to stay on track while traveling.

Here are my top 10 tips for healthy traveling:

1. Have a plan!
   When I travel, I plan just like I do when I am home.  I take into consideration if I will be traveling by car or plane, will I be staying in a hotel or house, will I have access to a grocery store, what type of restaurants will be available to me.  Then I make a plan- what can I bring, what do I need to get once I am there, can I make some of my meals or will I be eating out the majority of the time.  Based on how I answer these questions I create a meal plan for the duration of my stay.
2. Pack Snacks
   Traveling is unpredictable so I always have snacks packed with me so I never get caught having to eat “junk”.  Some of my favorite snacks are nuts, bars (Larabars, RX bars and Warrior Health are some of my favorites), Shakeology,
3. Stay Active
   Make activity part of your daily plan.  Go for walks in the morning.  Plan activities with your family.  Walk to your destinations.
4. When having dessert remember your portions!
   Remember that it’s OK to have dessert, but you may want to look at the portion size and either share it or take some home for another day.  Many restaurants will serve desserts that are easily 2-3 portions or more.
5. Stay hydrated
   Don’t forget to drink your water!  The minimally recommended amount is 1/2 your body weight in ounces.  I usually shoot for more when traveling.
6. Try to get your sleep
   It’s pretty normal to be off your regular sleep cycle when on vacation or on the road for work.  Take time to rest or nap if you are not getting your regular 6-8 hours of sleep at night.
7. Drink your superfoods
   Even if you are trying your hardest your nutrition is going to be a bit off while traveling.  I absolutely bring my Shakeology with me when I am on vacation.  It helps my digestion and energy levels and helps me fight all the extra cravings and temptations.
8. Take time to relax
   If traveling for work this may not be as easy to do, but if you are vacationing make sure to schedule in some relaxation!  Get caught up in a good book, take an afternoon nap, sit and talk at the dinner table instead of hopping right up to clean.
9. Eating out can be healthy!
   Remember to order things blackened, grilled, broiled or baked.  Avoid things that are smothered, fried, battered, or breaded.  Remember your portions sizes and that you really can’t over eat veggies!
10. Get back on track as soon as you get back home.
    Don’t let guilt over not sticking to your plan derail you!  Once you are home and settled hop right back into your routine.

Vacations are such a great time to recharge and reconnect with your family.  It is not a time to try to be perfect with your health and fitness, but with a few simple steps you don’t need to return from a trip feeling like you undid all your hard work.