Traveling can present a host of challenges to those of us who try to eat healthy and maintain a regular workout routine. Springtime and summer are often full of vacations and visits, so I thought this was a perfect time to share a list of quick healthy travel tips:

1) Don’t check out completely.
It is ok to relax a bit on your health routine on vacation, but don’t take it to the extreme. The guilt and regret you will feel later really isn’t worth it (speaking from recent experience :)).

2) Portions, Portions, Portions
We tend to eat out more when we travel, which makes portion control very difficult. I have been known to ask for a box at the start of big a meal, and just go ahead and put half of it in the box before I even start eating. This helps me stay aware of how much I am actually eating, and prevents me from eating past when I am full.

3) Bring healthy snacks from home when possible
Another major trap I fall into when traveling is the impulse buys at the gas stations and rest stops. These purchases are usually less than ideal (i.e. chips, candy, sugar filled coffees, etc). Having one of these once in a while is totally fine, but I find myself wasting much more money and many more calories than necessary on these purchases when I am on the road. I try to bring some healthy and tasty snacks with us from home, so I can at least resist some of these impulse purchases.

4) Drink extra water.
Traveling can make us thirsty, and sometimes we can mistake that thirst for hunger. Even though drinking extra water may make for a few more bathroom stops, the health benefits outweigh the cost :)

5) Bring sugar-free gum
This is an excellent way to prevent impulse purchases from gas stations and vending machines, while also being a low-calorie treat that can help hold you over between meals.

7) Have realistic expectations
Don’t choose vacation week to try to bump your exercise up from three to five times a week, nor should you make it the week to start your diet. Let yourself enjoy some small splurges, have fun, relax, and keep things in perspective. Remember, balance is key :)