Summer’s Last Call: 7 Ways to Plan a Fun and Healthy Vacation: August has arrived! For many, this is the time to savor every last drop of summer. And while this sentiment creates a sense of panic in some — thinking ahead to busy school days, cold weather, the chaos of the holiday season, and so forth — take this reminder to slow down as much as possible. Practicing mindfulness is especially important in August, so that you can fully enjoy every last moment of the season!
If you are thinking about taking a vacation before fall rolls around, now’s the time to finalize your plans. Last month, I shared my top tips for staying healthy on vacation without sacrificing fun. This month, I’d like to share my favorite ways to plan a fun and healthy vacation, as well as additional ways to keep your mind and body in top shape.
Soak in the great outdoors
Still searching for ideas for your last-minute summer getaway? Go camping! Camping is wonderful for a myriad of reasons, especially when it comes to having fun and staying healthy.
The first is that, when camping, you are far more likely to stay active. Hiking nearby trails, mountain biking, chopping wood for the fire, and even setting up your tent keeps your body moving. There is a super small risk of being sedentary on this type of excursion.
Next, the camping experience can be customized to fit a range of preferences. Not an outdoorsy person? No problem! Glamping — that it, “glamorous camping” — is a more upscale (and less outdoorsy) way to enjoy the same benefits. Instead of staying in a tent for the week, book accommodations such as a yurt, a dome, or a traditional cabin. Staying in any one of these indoor accommodations will still allow you to access the same outdoor activities.
Finally, most people opt to bring food from home while camping. Having greater control over what you eat can ensure that you are consuming nutrient-dense foods throughout your vacation.
Book your vacation near spots for outdoor recreation
If you want to book your vacation in a new locale, consider staying somewhere near popular spots for outdoor recreation. This could include everything from mountain peaks, to beaches, to state parks. Make it exciting and easy to explore nature and get your body moving!
Practice mindful eating
As I’ve discussed before, it is extremely easy to overindulge in your favorite foods and beverages during the summertime. From fruity cocktails to campfire s’mores, there are temptations all around. While some believe that these treats are to be avoided, don’t deprive yourself!
Feeling like you are missing out — or labeling certain foods as inherently “bad” — is a fast way to spoil the fun. A healthy alternative is to practice mindful eating. Mindful eating is when you stay actively aware of what you are consuming. The opposite of this is mindless consumption (i.e. what happens to most of us when the chips and salsa are brought to the table at a Mexican food restaurant). Instead of eating without paying attention (which leads to a quick trip away from your goals), be conscious of what you choose to eat. This practice will help you avoid eating beyond when you’re full, and can even enhance your appreciation of each bite!
Bring your favorite outdoor games
Headed to the beach, campground, or other outdoor space during your vacation? Pack supplies for your favorite outdoor games. Depending on the available courts and spaces, this can include volleyball, badminton, pickleball, tennis, bocce ball, football, soccer, and more.
Enjoy the benefits of nature whenever possible
Focusing on your health during a vacation doesn’t refer only to what you eat and how much you exercise. Keeping your mind in top shape is also paramount to staying healthy. One of the best ways to boost your mental health naturally is through spending time in nature. Scientific studies have continuously shown how being outdoors can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall mood.
When planning your vacation, schedule some time to simply soak up the benefits of being outside. Plan to sit in a forest, attend an outdoor concert, or enjoy a picnic in the park.
Pre-make meals and treats at home
A great tip for staying healthy while on vacation is to pre-make nutritious meals and treats for your trip. One to two days prior to leaving, create your own trail mix blend, bake granola bars, or assemble your own take-and-bake meal kit (so that you don’t have to cook extensively while on vacation). You can do this to some degree no matter where you plan to stay. Camping and staying in accommodations that have a kitchen provide the highest degree of flexibility — especially if you want to cook your own meals.
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Check your resort’s schedule of events for fun physical activities
During the summer, resorts are especially good with offering fun activities for their guests. Whether going on vacation with girlfriends, your partner or with the entire family, take advantage of the events that your hotel has already planned. Common resort activities include poolside yoga, family treasure hunts, swim aerobics, and much more.
No matter what combination of these tips you choose to use, make them work for your lifestyle. There is no right or wrong way to implement them into your vacation! If these spark other ideas to plan a fun and healthy vacation, run with those ideas! Adopting habits that work for you will ultimately lead to the best possible experience. And when you’re ready, jump in to a Nitro Nutrition 21-Day Reset with me, info here → https://dawnm.nitronutritionlife.com/
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
