Most people add a few kilos when they are back from their holidays. It is pretty natural because you take holidays to escape from your routine life. And during holidays you tend to travel a long distance, so sitting in one place is inevitable, you want to try out various foods items, and your regular gym is not available, so you let go of exercise too. It is ok if the trip is for a week and if you have added only a couple of kilos, you can come back and lose them quickly. But if you are on a long trip, then you need to watch out because if you are not following the fitness and diet regime, then it will hurt you even more.
To travel longer and enjoy more you need to be fit, your body needs to be healthy and in top condition. People ask me how do I manage to stay fit while travelling and not add weight. Interestingly I lose weight whenever I am back from a trip. The secret is to have a mindset wanting to maintain a healthy physique and eating right to get most out of your travel trips. Otherwise imagine what is the point if you feel lazy, lethargic, or end up with some health issues, how will you enjoy your trip.
It is actually easy if you are a bit more conscious about what you eat and how you plan to burn it out. Below are some of the methods that I follow.
1. Begin your day with stretching & meditation
Agreed while travelling, you don’t have a gym around you so proper exercise might be difficult. I generally wake up and start the day with a 20-minute stretching and on the spot jogging. Follow it up with 10 minutes of meditation. This will put me in a good frame of mind.
2. Have a healthy and substantial breakfast
Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and the right kind of food will add energy that will keep you excited. Try out the local breakfast within limits (since you are on a trip, so experience what locals eat) and to that add a whole lot of fruits. Fruits are always a safer option and give you a lot more energy.
3. Keep yourself hydrated
During travel when you feel thirst reach out for water and not soda or some soft drink. Water is your best companion. Most people don’t drink water to avoid going to the loo. But this is not a good idea. It dehydrates you and makes you sluggish. Also, you will realise that you will develop body aches and cramps. I keep drinking water and make people wait while I go to the loo 😉 Besides drinking water will keep you away from indulging in soda or cola. Carry a water bottle it comes in handy.
4. Try to walk and see the place as much as possible
I usually reach a location and prefer to stay there for a longer time. Then I explore the nearby area on foot. I prefer to walk as much as possible; it helps not only in burning calories but also ensures that I have a better local experience. I meet interesting people and get to know the region better. Sometimes you do end up seeing a gym, like in Singapore I was walking around, and I found a gym where they were teaching Muay Thai. I was there for a week, so I decided to try my luck and asked them if I can visit every morning. They were more than happy to accommodate me and that too without any money. I did take the trainer out for lunch once for his efforts. Always find ways to return the favour.
5. Plan your meal
While travelling, you should plan when you are going to eat. Don’t stay hungry for a long stretch of time. Carry some fruit or nuts with you that can kill your hunger pangs. Because when you get super hungry you tend to order a lot and that too carb and when the food comes you are not able to finish it. But you feel bad and somehow manage to overeat. This leads to another session of laziness and more eating later. The best way is to be conscious of how much you are going to eat and what you are eating. Try to resist the temptation of eating carbs and focus on more lean protein, vegetables and fruits.
6. Check your alcohol consumption
While travelling keeping a check on your alcohol is very important. I usually limit to one or two beers. I have seen people drinking as if there is no tomorrow and the next day is spent hangover totally. It is a waste of a day especially when you are exploring places because you are always short on time. Also if you are in a foreign land, then drinking might not be advisable unless you are in safe company.
7. Sleep well
For recharging yourself, there is nothing better than a good nights sleep. If you don’t manage to get a good sleep at night, then try to catch up on sleep during your transit journeys. The additional bonus is that you burn calories while sleeping too.
These are simple ways to stay fit and healthy while travelling. If you are obsessed with fitness, then no one can stop you. You can literally do the freehand workout, running, climbing, swimming, eat the right kind of food wherever you are travelling to stay fit. Eventually its all about your will to make it happen.