Travel Series: Vacation Nutrition!

Welcome to Part 2 of the Summer Travel Series! Did you see part 1? It was all about keeping active whilst you're away!

Today's post is all about nutrition. You will have heard me say before that nutrition is the most important component if you're looking to lose weight or tone up. However, don't forget my GOLDEN RULE of travelling! Remember to have fun, everything else (yes I mean diet and exercise) comes second!

Travelling is the PERFECT opportunity to experience world cuisine! From the gelato in Italy to the tapas in Spain, anywhere you go will have a local specialty! Part of the fun of going on vacation is emerging yourself in the local culture - that includes the food!




Meal by meal, as I mentioned above, the number one rule is don't stress! If you're in a self-catering property it's going to be tough as you probably won't have access to the foods you normally buy and if you're staying in a hotel it's going to be even harder! Don't dwell on the feeling of lack-of-control!

Margarita in Spain last Summer

My basic rules are:

1. Stock up on fresh produce; if you're at the hotel buffet for breakfast, choose the fresh fruit and pair it with some yogurt. If you're in the grocery store unable to read labels due to them being in a different language, buy the fresh stuff! Meat from the counter, greens, veggies and fruit from the produce aisles - this way you're ensuring that not only are you getting non-processed stuff (and you know what it is you're eating!), it's the most wasitline-friendly option too.
2. Try the local specialty: Greek yogurt in Greece? Yes please! Croissants in France, Gumbo in New Orleans, everywhere has a local classic and I promise you that you will hate yourself if you don't try it! What's more, the locals will know how to make it the best, find it in a tiny little restaurant, or an independent bakers. 
3. WATER; as always, drink a LOT of water! Particularly if you're going to be sitting outside in the sun on the beach all day - be sure to have that water bottle handy! If your in a different country, bottled is best - you don't want to get sick! Alternatively you could pack a Bobble Bottle to filter out any nasties!
4. Treat Yourself! Whilst it's great to stick to your regular diet plan, you're on vacation! You deserve that frozen yogurt after dinner or a little glass of vino or even that Piña Colada in the evening! As always, remember portion sizes etc. but nonetheless, enjoy yourself and allow yourself those indulgences. It won't be irreversible!
5. Go Crazy: Ok, so in my family this always ends up happening, but it's always fun and it's good to try new things! When you're in the grocery store find something that you really have no clue what it is, buy it and see what you end up with! You never know, you may find a new favourite thing and it keep's things exciting ;) If you're in the hotel, try something new on the menu!
6. Listen to your body: it's easy when we're on vacation to eat everything put in front of us in the huge portion of whatever we've ordered in a restaurant. Take it slow, savour every bite and if you're full - don't eat any more! Avoid that horrible feeling (you know what I'm talking about and take it away with you.

Next week: Travelling Snacks!

Besos mi amigos!

Georgie xx