How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Vacation

How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Vacation

Hiiii! Happy Friday! Still riding that vacation high even though I’ve been back for a week. As you can see in my post on where to eat in Tulum, Mexico was a foodie’s heaven. In my day to day I tend to be pretty healthy in terms of what I eat, and I rarely drink alcohol. But when I travel, I like to try everything because 1. I LOVE food and 2. I do believe trying local cuisine is a fun part of any travel experience. Although I definitely let loose in Tulum, I made sure to be mindful about what I was consuming and how much I was moving. If you’re taking off an extended trip soon, make sure to continue reading for the three easiest tips to avoid gaining weight on vacation.

Also, here are my Tulum recaps in case you missed them:  Part 1 and Part 2. : ) 

How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Vacation

1. Portion control / choose wisely

This is probably the biggest tip – just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you need to or should binge on everything in sight! I try to balance my meals throughout the day so I don’t deprive myself of anything, because let’s be real – if you tell me I can’t have something I’m just going to want it more.

Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of breakfast so I try to keep it simple with eggs (protein yay!) or fruit, something light to get my metabolism going and to give me energy for the day. For lunch and dinner I’ll always try whatever new, local dish is in front of me and don’t restrict myself to any “rules.” In general, if you are trying to make smart + healthy choices, stick with fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of protein.

Also, if you’re abroad – lucky you!! Food in European and Asia counties tend to have fewer additives and preservatives, not to mention portion sizes are much smaller. If it seems like food abroad just “tastes better,” you’re not wrong.

2. Limit the booze

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but alcohol is loaded with sugar and empty calories that do absolutely nothing for your body. With that being said, most of us will imbibe from time to time – I had my fair share of mezcal cocktails in Tulum, but made sure to limit the booze before and after the trip. You’ll feel way less bloated and much more clear headed if you do ; ). If you’re going  to drink, make sure to drink LOTS of water on the side to minimize any nasty effects the next time.

3. Incorporate Activity

I have a hard time dragging myself into the gym when I’m on vacation. Call it a total lack of discipline, but I would so much rather experience whatever new city I’m in and explore. I make sure to incorporate LOTS of walking wherever I go. I prefer to see sights on foot and will drag whoever I am with around town on long walks to make sure we don’t miss a thing (all while getting in our recommended 10,000 steps per day).

If I have access to a gym and actually go, I make sure to keep it short. This means cardio intervals or a workout from Kayla Itsine’s Bikini Body Guide. I’ve actually never done the entire book from end to end, but have used it when I was traveling. I love how quick and efficient the workouts are – circuit training is amazing for you and her workouts will get you sweating, fast! The testimonials from Kayla’s fans are INSANE – check out her insta here.

It’s all about balance

At the end of the day, it’s highly unlikely that you will gain 5 pounds over a one week vacation (or even 2 pounds for that matter). Any bloating that occurs is most likely a result of more sodium than you’re used to eating or more alcohol than you typically drink. Once you get home, you’ll find that you’re back to normal in a week or less. At the end of the day, it’s about balance – whenever I travel, I try to keep in mind that I probably will not be returning for some time and remind myself to be present and enjoy the moment.

Keep these three simple things in mind when you travel this summer and you’ll return home feeling great! I hope this post helped – I’m really excited to be incorporating more lifestyle and wellness posts in along with fashion in the upcoming weeks!

xx, Amy

dress: spell (also in white)

24 Discussion to this post

  1. Adelina says:

    Amy, you look incredible!! I am happy you still tried everything on your vacation, while still keeping the balance there! That’s what it’s about!!

    I’ve always wanted to visit Tulum!! I love your style and advice!! xox!

    http://www.thecharmingolive.com

  2. Jessi Malay says:

    I personally have found controlling my portion size to be the most helpful! Great advice girlie.

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhiteT.com

    • Amy Zhang says:

      Thank you Jessi! It really is the best piece of advice to keep in mind if you’re indulging – no wonder you look so incredible! Have fun in the Hamptons this weekend! xx

  3. Tamara says:

    Even though I eat and drink much more on vacation, I also walk much more which balance things out at the end!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

    • Amy Zhang says:

      Totally agree, Tamara! It all evens itself out – the biggest thing is to not stress and just enjoy your vacation! Thank you so much for reading babe xx

  4. Angie Wilson says:

    such a smart post! Thanks for the tips

    http://www.thefashionfuse.com

  5. gail says:

    girl it is so hard for me not to eat during a vacay! Especially, if you go to the south side of Thailand. The seafood is so fresh and good!

    http://www.thequinoxfashion.com/

    • Amy Zhang says:

      Ahh Gail I totally feel you!! I was in Thailand over Christmas last year and everything was SO good. I found Thai portions to be much smaller than in the US, and the food is so fresh (all the seafood caught that day) it’s actually good for you! xx

  6. Floortje says:

    THE holiday struggle.. Thanks for your tips dear!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    http://www.floortjeloves.com
    http://www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

  7. Elise says:

    Controlling portions are important, lesser portions towards the night are good to keeping in shape.
    Personally, when on vacations I eat a lot (but not junk food )and not give much thought to calories or anything and that works to be honest

    http://www.zekalin.com

    • Amy Zhang says:

      To be honest I’m the same but I imagine for people that travel much more especially for work you have to be more mindful. But totally agree, nothing is going to happen if you indulge for a few days or even a few weeks : ) better to enjoy the time away! xx

  8. Trang Do says:

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing dear!!
    Love,
    Kisses and hugs from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

  9. Great tips for staying in shape on vacay. I totally use BBG too! I’ve done it once all the way through but it is definitely challenging to keep it going. You look amazing babe! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com

    • Amy Zhang says:

      Aw, thank you Christine! I think BBG is great, especially if you’re busy (which I know you are!!). Gotta be efficient. Thanks for reading babe xx

  10. Jenn says:

    wow such an amazing one piece and those sales !!!!!!!
    http://www.cranberrytantrums.com

  11. […] want to keep it up somehow. It’s so easy to get out of a healthy routine when you’re on vacation which can easily translate to weight gain or inflammation. Getting out of sync with your sleep […]

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