The Best Ways to Stay Healthy on Vacation
Summer is here for many of us, we've got a few trips planned. Whether you're travelling with the kids or going on a solo adventure, staying healthy is key. It's critical to avoid getting sick, and there's nothing worse then being ill away from home.
In this post, I'll focus on the best ways to stay healthy on vacation. Do you find it hard to feel your best when you're sleeping in a different bed or eating different food? And what about time zone adjustments? Let me help you make the most of your next vacation!
The Best Ways to Stay Healthy on Vacation
First things first: Water, water and more water.
Whether you are flying or driving, bring your own refillable bottle, one for each member of the family. Don't forget about water for your pets too.
When flying, empty your bottle before going through security. Then search for a water fountain on the other side of security. Often airports have filtered water bottle refill stations by the water fountains.
As soon as you board (board as early as possible), ask the flight crew to fill your bottle again. It can take up to an hour before beverage service begins and by then, you're already dehydrated. Continue to drink 3-4 bottles full every day while you're away.
Second: Get some sleep.
Do your travel plans involve changing time zones? Keep in mind that it's easier travelling west vs. east. On average, it takes your body one day per time zone crossed to adjust. For example, if you've flown 3 hours ahead, give yourself 3 days to adjust.
My secret is to keep your bedtime and wake-up time as close as possible to your normal time as home. If you go to bed at 10 pm at home, aim for close to that time in your new time zone. Once you're asleep, if you can allow your body to wake-up on it's own, that would be ideal.
I am a big fan of USANA's Pure Rest, which is an ultra-pure melatonin. This pharmaceutical grade product helps you to fall asleep by naturally raising your melatonin levels. If you've tried melatonin before and it didn't work, I suggest giving the USANA brand a try. Melatonin is also very helpful when you're adjusting to different time zones.
Lastly, I recommend bringing ear plugs, a sleep mask and even your own pillow! Those will all help you to get to sleep more quickly and sleep more soundly. Do not sacrifice your sleep on vacation or you will end up sick by the end. I've even taken my pillow as one of my carry-on items.
Keep tabs on your nutrition.
It's so tempting to give up our healthy habits when we are traveling. I know I have a hard time sticking to the same eating plan as I do at home. Drastically changing our diet while we are away can make us feel quite ill.
When we eat a lot of extra sugar and sugary drinks, this can also suppress our immune system. Choose to eat veggies and fresh fruit, even though you may have other 'treats' you don't have while you're at home. This will help mitigate the effects of sugar and alcohol.
I love travelling with my mini Hamilton Beach blender to make my morning smoothies. This is a great way to make a quick healthy breakfast in any accommodation. All you need is ice, a banana or other fresh fruit to make it super tasty. The fiber found in Nutrimeal Free will help keep you regular. You can also bring a bag of Fibergy, which blends with water or juice.
Take care of your gut.
As mentioned above, fiber is often what is lacking for a lot of people on vacation. Many resort restaurants are very carbohydrate & protein heavy. This can leave us without enough options for fiber from food. Constipation can be a real issue for many travelers.
Staying hydrated with water is the first rule. Next is to eat as many green, leafy veggies or legumes as possible.
I also recommend keeping some USANA Probiotic on hand. This probiotic powder is stable at room temperature and it's gluten, dairy and sugar free as well. This can save a bloated tummy as well.
Next: Keep moving.
It can be tempting to lay on the beach all day or snuggle up by the campfire with a good book. If you're not on an active vacation (i.e. surfing holiday), make sure that you are moving every day. Many resorts have free fitness classes and a gym on site. A daily walk will aid digestion, and allow for your blood and lymph to keep circulating well.
Finally, Practice Gratitude.
Vacations can be physically and mentally challenging. When moments of difficulty do arise, it's critical to find a place of gratitude and breathe through it. Diffusing difficult situations by shifting to gratitude can save our vacation. We can also remind our kids to share their gratitude in the moment too. Stopping for a moment to remember why we are here and the luxury of being on vacation can be incredibly powerful.
What other tips do you have for staying healthy on vacation? When is your next holiday planned? Please share this post with friends who are traveling over the summer holiday season!
P.S. I've created a special Summer Travel Pack with the USANA products mentioned in this post. My trust Digestive Enzymes are included, I never leave home without them! All product links are connected to my personal USANA store. You'll save 10% off retail pricing when you purchase via these links.