Family travel is no reason to go sabotage your diet or slack-off on your workouts. It’s okay to indulge once in a while, but pigging out on your vacation may leave you less than satisfied, especially if you recently lost a lot of weight. The good news is you can eat healthy and lose weight on vacation. Don’t believe me. Here’s my story.

How I lost weight on my family travel to Great Britain

My dad and I took our first international trip together to Great Britain in 1997. I was nervous, he was nervous, and we both lost weight. I lost about 15 pounds, and my dad lost about 12 pounds. How did we release the pounds? Keep reading.

Family travel usually includes sightseeing. Many destinations offer walking tours. Not only is walking is a low-impact form of exercise, but it’s perfect for the entire family. You lose weight by spending time with each other walking around the sites. It’s a win-win situation!

The trip that I took with my dad included a lot of walking tours. We walked around the gardens of Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace (England), Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), the town of Llangollen (Wales), and many other places throughout Great Britain.

Tip: Bring a good pair of walking/hiking shoes; otherwise, your feet will be sore.

Since my dad and I were visiting/touring another country, our eating habits and schedules were off. This was a good thing. We mostly had buffet style dinners; however, we weren’t used to some of the British foods. I wasn’t and still am not a big fan of lamb (I’m now a vegetarian), so I ate the fruit and vegetables.

I tried the “pop or soda,” but it tasted flat to me. I stayed hydrated by drinking water.

Tip: Avoid drinking alcohol or soda when you fly. You could become bloated or thirsty during your flight.

I was sad to leave Great Britain because it’s a wonderful country rich in art, culture, and history. There’s a lot to see which is why most people visit over and over again.

When my dad and I came home, my mom and sister didn’t recognize us. They were stunned by our weight loss.

So you see. It’s possible to eat healthy and lose weight while your family travels. I did!

How Families Can Eat Healthy and Lose Weight on Vacation

Family Travel: Eat Healthy and Lose Weight Photo Credit: ChrisWatk, visit www.dolcevita-images.com

Reduce the amount of soda, sugary fruit juices, and energy drinks you drink

Drinking water is good for your family. Kids may want sugary drinks, but they’re not good for them. Purchase bottled water (recycle bottles when possible) or use a filter system if you stay in vacation rental condo or home. It’s okay to have a ‘sugary drink’ once in a while, but don’t make a habit of it while you’re on vacation. Why? You and your kids could become sluggish and may not feel like doing anything. You’ll miss out on all the fun.

Avoid fast food restaurants and mall food courts

It’s easy to grab something to eat at a food court because it’s fast and convenient. It’s best to skip food courts and eat a healthy meal at a restaurant.

If you stay in a vacation home, shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, etc. Buy organic when you can. Cook a healthy meal for your family. Let the kids help too!

Eat a good breakfast

Start your family travel off right by eating a good, hearty breakfast. Skip the stack of pancakes with a side of bacon and eggs and have a heart-healthy breakfast such as whole grain toast, whole grain cereal, egg whites, egg white omelet, oatmeal, fresh fruit, low-calorie/sugar fruit smoothie, or some other yummy breakfast.

FYI: Most restaurants have gluten-free foods and figure friendly breakfasts’.

Shop at local grocery stores and farmers markets for healthy snacks

Families staying in a vacation rental home can shop at the local grocery stores and farmers markets. Buying local and organic is a great way to stay healthy and lose weight on your family vacation. It’s also a good way to support and grow the local economy.

Ask for meals to be prepared ‘lightly’

Family travel may include eating at restaurants, delis, diners, and cafés. Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter or waitress if the chef or cook can prepare a meal differently. For example, if the chicken dinner you want is fried, ask if you could have it baked. When you order a salad, ask for dressing on the side. Instead of ordering a creamy ranch dressing, get a light dressing such as balsamic vinegar. Ask for substitutes, if available.

Use the above tips to eat healthy and lose weight on your family vacation. You can stick to your diet and exercise plan when you’re on a family vacation. Happy travels!

What’s your secret to eating healthy and losing weight on your family vacation? Share.

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

Bonus Tip!

When possible, walk or bike instead of renting a car. Take advantage of public transportation too.

Related articles

• 7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA (guestquest.com/blog)
• 5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation (guestquest.com/blog/)
• How to Recover From Air Travel (traveltips.usatoday.com)