Before I begin let me say that I am definitely known to indulge in an entire pizza by myself when visiting Italy and to scarf down numerous desserts at Cafe Schober in Zurich, just to name a few, however there are those times when I’m traveling and I don’t want to get too far off track with my health and fitness. For all of these times here are some helpful, easy tips. But let it be known, I LOVE food!!!
HOW TO STAY FIT ON THE ROAD
1. PACK HEALTHY SNACKS
As much as I love indulging in local delicacies and treats (especially pastries and desserts all over Europe) I also like to stay fit and within my personal health and fitness goals. To avoid getting completely off track I always pack little bags of snacks that I know can hold me over. Protein bars, popcorn, dried fruit and nuts are just a few of the things I like to carry with me everywhere I go to curve my cravings. When I went to India for three weeks I packed an absurd amount of protein bars, granola bars and fruit snacks-the fruit snacks aren’t great for you but you can find healthier ones like fruit leather from natural food stores that tastes pretty good! *Although you want to stay fit don’t kill yourself. Indulging here and there is all part of the fun of traveling. If this is your one trip a year, hell, go for it!!!
Jerky, Protein Bars & Fruit Snacks!
2: BRING A JUMPROPE
I can’t encourage jump roping enough. Although it doesn’t burn as many calories as running, it’s still a great cardio workout, can be done almost anywhere, and the rope is such a small accessory you can bring it almost everywhere. I sometimes jump rope in my hotel room for ten minutes and at least feel a little better about myself afterward.
3: DO FITNESS AT YOUR HOTEL/HOSTEL
Anything from squats, to sit ups, to push-ups can make a world a difference. Even if I do five minutes of sit-ups I can feel the difference the next day.
4: DOWNLOAD WORKOUT APPS
A friend showed me the FREE app 7 Minute Workout “Seven” by Perigee and I’m obsessed. It gives you 12 different exercises to do in 7 minutes and trust me at the end of those 7 minutes you’ll be feeling it! You can pay $1.99 more to have a hippie or a cheerleader yell at you for your voiceover if that’s something you think will motivate you a little bit more 😉
5: WALK EVERYWHERE
When you’re traveling the easiest way to stay in-shape is to walk everywhere or go on a hike and explore. It’s so easy and can be done almost everywhere. If a landmark or restaurant you want to visit is two or three miles away that is the perfect opportunity to burn those extra calories off and get to work. Don’t be lazy! Put in the work if you want to see the results. Sight seeing and walking around is the best and easiest work out you can get! Most of the time you won’t even realize you’re working out.
6: STAY AWAY FROM THE BOOZE
Now I know most people only get to go on trips/vacation once or twice a year, however there’s a way to have fun, drink, and still stay fit. Pick and choose your times of fun. If you’re only vacationing this one time a year and want to be drunk the whole time, then ok, go for it, but your body isn’t going to be too forgiving. Instead, if you’re committed to staying fit and healthy stick to vodka and sodas/tonics and/or try to drink a glass of water for every beverage. It will at least make you feel better the next day, therefore giving you a little bit more incentive to wake up and go on a hike.
7: BE SMART AND MAKE HEALTHY DECISIONS
The pizza is going to take more of a toll on your body than the salad, just sayin. Stay away from carbs as best as you can, carbs are the enemy, people.
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