NCD Watch

How to Balance Vacation Fun & Healthy Lifestyle

27 Jul 2011 (Wed)

More and more people are travelling on vacations to take a break from their daily lives and recharge themselves. While enjoying the holidays, even the most health-conscious are likely to think they also need to take a break from their healthy lifestyle during travel because of the change in environment. Yet, in fact you do not have to give up your healthy living habits during travel. Here are some tips for keeping up with your healthy eating and active living habits.

Eat well and know what to choose

  • Choose dishes with vegetables as main ingredients, or dishes with low fat ingredients (such as lean meat, skinless poultry, etc.) prepared by low fat cooking methods (such as steaming, baking, grilling or boiling in soup). Choose fresh fruits or fruit-based options as desserts or snacks while traveling in cars.
  • Be cautious of additional sources of oil and salt to the dishes, e.g. chili oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce and gravy. Ask the restaurants to serve sauces separately if possible.
  • Be aware of portion size. Share dishes with your travel companion(s) so that you can try more dishes while keeping the portions small.
  • Eat sensibly and slowly. Allow at least 20 minutes to finish your meal and eat to 70-80% full.
  • Be aware of 'liquid calories'. Bring your own water bottle during sightseeing so that you could drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Take every opportunity to be more physically active

  • Wake up a little bit earlier or spare some time during the day to do exercise. Use the exercise/recreation facilities (such as swimming pool, gym or health club) provided by the hotel.
  • Walk through the lobby or hallway of the hotel or a nearby shopping mall.
  • Choose to climb the stairs instead of taking the lift inside the hotel or when you tour around.
  • Tour on foot as much as you possibly can.
  • Get out of the car/bus and stretch your legs after a long drive.