Weight Loss or Weight Gain on Vacation?

Throughout the year, your weight loss programme may be ticking along nicely. You have lost 4 lbs in weight that appears to be holding. But then.......you go on holiday. What happens then? Do you let yourself go; indulge in all those buffet breakfasts, "eat as much as you like" lunches, and sumptuous evening spreads? If you are abroad, do you have to sample all the local specialities? After all, you are on vacation, you want to make the most of it, don't you? Don't you?

Or you holiday at home, where you now have extra time to indulge yourself; you can raid the fridge more often, have long leisurely lunches as well as evening meals. Perhaps even more dangerous than going away on holiday.

Whatever you do, the temptation is undoubtedly there to undo all the hard earned weight loss you have achieved in previous months. The article below looks at how to survive a vacation without putting that weight back on.

Holiday Wearing A Weight Loss Halo

You may have read the old stories about how much weight people put on during the holidays. Well, not surprisingly, those stories are at least partially true. In a recent study conducted by The National Institute of Health, the researchers discovered that, in reality, the average weight gain is just slightly under one pound. Nothing to be bothered about, it seems. Or is it? They also found that a person who is already overweight, will average a five pound weight gain during their holiday.

I can imagine some of you feeling relieved that you may only put on one pound. "That's no problem," you may well think. "I'll lose that in a week when I get back into the old routine." The problem is though, the study also shows that we all tend to keep the pounds put on. In other words, over ten years, those one pound gains could lead someone to being overweight.

Maintaining Your Weight Loss Momentum At Home On Vacation

If you are holidaying at home, here are a few tips to help you keep your weight loss halo sitting pretty above your head:

Nibble Instead of Devour!

It is natural when you are on vacation that you want to indulge, and there's no need to deprive yourself entirely. If you like strawberries with lashings of cream, for example, you can treat yourself to as much of the fruit as you like, but just have a taste of cream. Instead of indulging in the cream, concentrate on the strawberries. Or if you like rich desserts, just have enough to get a taste, but do not go for a full plateful. Dwell on each mouthful as if it were your last. A few mouthfuls that you concentrate on enjoying can give more pleasure than stuffing yourself rapidly with a portion eight times the size.

Focus On The People, Not The Food

Many people think of holiday parties in terms of the foods that they will eat (or need to avoid). But the real reason for the party should be the company and conversation. If you keep yourself busy chatting with family and friends, you’ll be less likely to reach for the readily available snacks.

Fill Yourself With Healthy Foods

If you eat a lot of raw vegetables, and other healthy foods, that will stick with you during a holiday party, you should be less tempted to binge on the calorie rich foods that may be available, right in front of you, later.

Drink Lots Of Water

Most soft drinks, party punches and alcoholic beverages are high in calories, mounting up as the party progresses and you consume more. You can drink hundreds of calories without even realizing it if you’re not careful! Instead, drink water as your main drink; that will help flush out the system, and will not add calories. As a bonus, your halo will sparkle more with each mouthful of water as those around you have a calorie feast

Space Out Your Food Consumption At A Holiday Party

It's not realistic to try to get through an entire party or social gathering without at least sampling some of the treats. Instead of diving in right at the start, have small amounts spread out; say every 30 minutes.

Maintaining Your Weight Loss Momentum Away On Vacation

Going away for your holidays will also bring with it a good supply of temptation on the food front, unless you are on a survival course, climbing a mountain or camping in the wilderness on limited rations. The chances are you will be at a hotel, and if you have chosen a good hotel, it is likely there will be good food, often as much as you want.

So, how do you deal with your weight loss aims when you are on holiday away from home? Here are just a few ideas:

Sample The Fresh Local Food

If you are having your vacation in a warmer clime by the sea, then there is a good chance there will be a good supply of fresh fish and delicious fruits, even some vegetables you've not tried before. Try to concentrate on those. After all, what is the point of travelling somewhere else if you end up sticking to the same old foods. You may well find some low calorie delights that will add to a memorable holiday.

Avoid The Full Buffet Table

Many hotels offer buffet breakfasts, and also buffet lunches and evening meals. If you decide to eat at the hotel, arrive late. If you are the first there and see a sumptuous spread across the tables, your desires may be stimulated, your appetite inflamed. Plus, you will have more time to eat. Arrive later on, and the almost empty display will not look so appealing; also, what is left is likely to be the lower calorie foods.

Explore The Locality

If you are visiting a foreign land, or somewhere new in your own country, take at least a daily stroll around the local streets. Or if you want to visit further afield, see if you can hire a bike. That adds a healthy but interesting dimension to your experience, and assists in maintaining your weight loss programme.

Keep Active On The Beach

There is much you can do at the beach that will help you with your weight loss ideals. Get involved in beach volleyball or any other activity that might be going on, or which you and your companions or family could start. Not only does it help shed weight, it also keeps your mind off food. And there in front of you is an enormous swimming pool, the sea. Swim as often as you can within your safety limits, and you will go home a healthier you. Even if you do not swim, get in the sea and exercise your limbs in the water. I cannot swim, and that's just what I do; the water resistance is an excellent aid to exercise.

Use The Hotel Facilities

It depends on the hotel, of course, but many have good facilities that will help you both enjoy your holiday and lose weight, or at least not put on weight. You're paying for the hotel and the facilities, so make the most of them if they are included, or treat yourself if they are not. If you prefer to swim in freshwater, use the swimming pool as part of an exercise routine during your stay. If there's a gym, make it a daily part of your itinerary; if there's a sauna, indulge.

Relax

If you are relaxed, your self control and confidence are likely to be higher. So, relax. If you want to indulge yourself, have a massage instead of foaming at the mouth over chocolate gateau.

Of course, the holidays should be about enjoyment. So whether you are at home or in some distant location, enjoy yourself. You never know, may come home a pound or two lighter, still telling everyone about your wonderful holiday.