The holidays are an exciting time of year, but they can also be stressful and challenging. Our bodies are used to getting up and going at a certain time every day. They're also used to sleeping at a certain time every night. That's why when we travel, it's so hard to get back on our normal sleep schedule.
If you're traveling during the holidays, here are some tips for maintaining a healthy routine:
Plan Ahead
If you know where you're going and how long you'll be gone, plan so that your meals will be nutritious and satisfying. Make sure to pack snacks such as nuts or fruit that can help keep your energy up throughout the day.
Prepare a Packing List
Bring your favorite snacks and food items with you on the plane. These should include protein bars or nuts for energy, along with fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. You might also want to bring along some spices or condiments like mustard, ketchup, or hot sauce to add flavor to meals when dining out.
Pack Healthy Snacks
If you're going to be eating out often, bring healthy snacks from home that can tide you over until your next meal. A bag of prewashed baby carrots and hummus or nut butter packets are great options that won't take up much space in your luggage!
Pack Light
You don't want to bring all of your workout clothes, shoes, and equipment with you when you leave town â especially if you're going away for longer than a week. Look into renting these items while you're away from home!
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water helps keep your digestive system moving, which is essential when traveling by air because it minimizes the risk of constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. The National Sleep Foundation recommends drinking 8 ounces of fluid two hours before bedtime to ensure that you go to sleep with a full bladder.
Schedule Workouts in Advance
If possible, schedule time to exercise while traveling so it's not an option to skip out on a workout due to fatigue or exhaustion after a long day of travel.
Stay active throughout the day by walking whenever possible (this also helps you avoid getting trapped in the airport!) and try not to sit down too much while waiting for your flight â stand up, stretch or take a brisk walk down the terminal instead!
Get Some Exercise Before Leaving Home
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days per week for adults ages 18-64. Taking an extra 10 minutes each day to squeeze in a workout will pay off â not only will it help keep up your energy level during travel but also help prevent muscle soreness after sitting for long periods on an airplane or in a car for hours on end!
Don't Go Hungry
You might find it easier to stick with your healthy eating plan if you don't skip meals altogether while away from home. If there isn't much food available where you're staying, try packing some snacks for travel days so that if an emergency strikes and all restaurants are closed, at least you'll have something on hand for emergencies!
Get Plenty of Sleep
You will feel more rested if you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night leading up to your trip. This will help keep your energy levels up during travel and your mood stable when you arrive at your destination.
Eat Balanced Meals
When traveling by car or plane, it may be difficult to eat healthy meals that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats. Because restaurants near airports often offer fast food options instead of healthier alternatives like salads or sandwiches with lean protein sources like chicken breast meat instead of ground beef patties.Â
ConclusionÂ
We hope these tips can help you stay on track with your fitness and diet over the holidays. It may be tough to do, but it's worth it! In the end, you'll be healthier, and you'll likely enjoy yourself more!