Staying Healthy While Traveling

As we are headed into summer and I’m abroad this week teaching yoga at the beautiful Secrets & Dreams Bahia Mita's Resort, I thought I would discuss how to sustain a healthy lifestyle on the road. It’s easy for healthy lifestyles to go to the wayside when you're traveling, especially if you're on vacation. But it really is possible to have a good time, enjoy local cuisine and get in some exercise without depriving yourself of a true vacation. I will show you how to combine pleasure with wellness when you're on the road, because isn’t living your best life the point of a vacation in the first place?

Even with the best of intentions, there are some common problems that may derail your healthy travel plans. Here’s how to deal with them. 

Is it the biggest deal to gain a few pounds on my vacation?

Gaining a few pounds over the course of a one-week vacation because you don't want to bother with watching what you eat or trying to exercise isn't detrimental to your overall health. But, it might leave you feeling irritable and low on energy either because your eating is imbalanced or you're not getting those feel-good endorphins from exercise. On the other hand, if you do end up picking up some extra weight, you can likely drop it within a week or two when you’re back home, provided that you're vigilant about jumping right back into a healthy eating and exercise routine.

Here’s a tip that I go through everywhere we travel. 

How do I deal with a food allergy or other dietary restrictions in a country where I don’t know the language?

Food allergies are manageable when traveling, I suggest traveling with a food allergy ID card that clearly indicates your allergies both in English and the language(s) of the country in which you plan to travel. And, do your homework before you travel. Often, the hotel concierge or a travel agent will have a good sense of restaurants that offer variety or accommodations for food allergies. Always pack snacks in case you find yourself with limited options.

Take 10-60 minutes first thing in the morning to do yoga, meditation or a short walk. At this resort I teach an 8am restorative yoga class and it’s a great way to start your day. If you plan to workout later in the day, chances are that you’ll likely be too busy, or having too much fun out and about to actually find the time. Alternatively, if you make your day an active one by taking a walking or bike tour, you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about skipping a workout. 

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. This simple tip helps with everything from dehydration to constipation to overcoming jet lag. Since you’re likely to get busier as the day goes on and may forget to drink, try starting your day by drinking 16 ounces.