It’s easy to be tempted and stray from your weight loss plan while on holiday – it’s your downtime and you’re more likely to indulge in going out and eating more than you would at home. But there are steps you can take to avoid that holiday weight gain.
Before you set off on your holiday, check out the tips below to help keep you on track with your weight loss plan.
Eat Well
Often, the variety of foods offered may be one of the factors that attracts us to a holiday destination. However, if you’re following a weight loss plan, you may be worried that you won’t be able to enjoy the local cuisine, but this doesn’t have to be the case.
The good news is we have some tips on how to make a few simple swaps, so you can still eat well while staying on track to your weight loss goals.
Before you set off on holiday, do some research into the types of food available where you’re going – there are plenty of restaurants that offer healthier alternatives. If you’re heading to the coast, swap out the fish and chips for grilled fish; if you’re heading to a country pub, have a side salad instead of chips.
To help you stay on track with your weight loss plan, consider making these food substitutions:
- Swap ice cream for sorbet
- Swap creamy pasta sauces for tomato-based sauces
- Swap milky coffee with a lighter milk alternative or simply have it black
Stay Active
Although you might be looking at your holiday as a long overdue break to get some rest, it’s also a great time to explore and get some exercise.
When planning your holiday, make sure to have plenty of activities booked so you’re not sitting around the whole time. While it’s good to rest and take some time for yourself, staying active and on course with your weight loss plan will make getting back into a routine much easier once you’re home.
Research some local hiking places or spots where you can go paddle boarding or even wild swimming.
Control Your Portions
Portion control is often the key to staying on track with your weight loss plan. If you’re heading to a hotel with an all-inclusive service, it will be tempting to stack your plate high or go for seconds. But this could derail you from your plan and all the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Instead, fill your plate with lean protein and non-starchy vegetables, which will provide you with plenty of filling protein and fibre. Also, try to keep the carbs, high-fat foods and sweets to a minimum.
You should also take into consideration the time and amount you eat. For example, eating a healthy and balanced breakfast can benefit your metabolism throughout the day, allowing you to keep evening meals smaller and lower in carbs, as you’re less likely to burn these off.
Take OPTIFAST Products with You
To give yourself a head start for staying on track with your weight loss plan while you’re on holiday, take some OPTIFAST meal replacement products with you.
One of our top tips for sticking to your plan is controlling your portions, so consider packing our meal replacement Shakes or Bars which contain essential daily vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy while on holiday.
