Summer is right around the corner and vacation planning is in full swing. As you prepare to head to the beach, the mountains or some other exciting destination, here are three simple tips to keep you looking your best.
1. Stay hydrated. Did you know that hydration is a key component to health? Constipation, dry itchy skin, nose bleeds, pH imbalance, sinus pressure, headaches, forgetfulness and that afternoon “brain fog” can all be blamed on dehydration. These types of issues begin to develop after just 2% loss of body water. We lose more than 50 ounces of water daily just by breathing. In total, our bodies go through roughly 96 ounces of water every day. Bet you didn’t know that!
Watch out for dehydrators like coffee, tea and alcohol. As a rule of thumb, for every glass you drink of a dehydrator, replace it with water. Gotta have your morning cup of Joe? That’s fine; just be sure to chase it with a glass of water. Relaxing with a glass of wine? Replenish your body with a glass of water. When you feel thirsty, drink. When you feel hungry, drink first and then decide if you really are hungry.
Here’s another helpful rule of thumb: Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces daily. Weigh 200 pounds? Drink 100 ounces of water every day. And remember, if you’re out in the sun and/or very active, you’ll need to increase that amount to compensate for the extra water burn.
2. Watch your serving sizes. So you’re heading to Cancun and you want to savor all the new flavors. Definitely! Enjoy your vacation! Just keep in mind that in order to experience the local cuisine, you don’t have to eat the “whole enchilada!” You can even dive into dessert; just stick to a couple of bites. As long as the majority of your meal consists of grilled meats and veggies, it’s okay to have the tortilla with it.
And don’t forget: Keep drinking water (bottled, if necessary!) so your belly stays full.
3. Keep moving. An active person is an enthusiastic, happy person – and a better traveling companion. While vacationing, take every opportunity to be active. Find the zip lines, hike the hills, walk the trails and sign up for the hula lessons. Take deep breaths and feel the fullness of life in every step you take.
You worked hard for this vacation. Delight in it. This isn’t the time to count calories. Just move and enjoy the feeling it creates in your mind and spirit. Staying active will help you relax and even make you feel like a kid again.
Hydration, reasonable serving sizes and regular activity will keep you in line with your healthy, fit lifestyle throughout your travels. Remember that when it comes to staying fit, there is no end date. Every day, every bite and every movement creates who you are and what physical state your body resides in.
So go, relax, have fun…and stay fit!
Chani Overstreet is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and co-owner of Strada Fitness & Wellness Center with her husband, Luke. Strada is a state-of-the-art fitness studio located at 3041 Churchill Drive, Suite 100, in Flower Mound, across from Lifetime Fitness. Call 972.330.4300 or visit www.StradaFitness.com for more information.
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