The Best Ways to Stay Healthy On Vacation
Summer is just around the corner and for many of us, we’ve got a few trips planned. Whether you’re travelling with the kids or going on a solo adventure, it’s critical to avoid getting sick. In this post, I’ll focus on the best ways to stay healthy on vacation. How many times have you been looking forward to a trip and on the first day you arrive, you’re struck by a cold or even worse, the flu and you spend the first few days in bed? Do you find it hard to feel your best when you’re sleeping in a different bed or eating different food? And what about time zone adjustments? This post will help to make the most out of your next vacation!
The Best Ways to Stay Healthy on Vacation:
First things first: Water, water and more water.
Whether you are flying or driving, bring your own refillable bottle, one for each member of the family. If you’re flying, empty it before you go through security and search for a water fountain on the other side — before you board the plane. Many airports even have the filtered water bottle refill stations by the water fountains. As soon as you board (board as early as possible), ask the flight crew to fill your bottle again. It can take up to an hour before beverage service begins and by then, you’re already dehydrated. Continue to drink 3–4 bottles full every day while you’re away.
Second: Get some sleep.
Let’s start by addressing changing time zones. It’s always easier travelling west vs. east. And it usually takes your body 1 day per time zone crossed to adjust. My secret is to keep your bedtime and awake time as close as possible to your normal time as home — for example if you go to bed at 10 pm at home, aim for close to that time in your new time zone.
Depending on the type of vacation, there may be some late nights. If possible, allow yourself to sleep until you wake up on those days. I am a big fan of USANA’s Pure Rest, which is an ultra-pure melatonin which helps you to fall asleep by naturally raising your melatonin levels. If you’ve tried melatonin before and it didn’t work, I suggest giving the USANA brand a try. Melatonin is also very helpful when you’re adjusting to different time zones.
Lastly, I recommend bringing ear plugs, a sleep mask and maybe even your own pillow! Those will all help you to get to sleep more quickly and more soundly. Do not sacrifice your sleep on vacation or you will end up sick by the end. I’ve been known to take my pillow as one of my carry-on items.
Keep tabs on your nutrition.
It’s so tempting to give up our healthy habits when we are traveling. And I certainly do not stick 100% to the same eating plan as I do at home. However, it’s key to pay attention to what we are taking in, because you will find that a drastic change in diet will make you feel ill. When we eat a lot of extra sugar and sugary drinks, this can also suppress our immune system. Make sure you are still eating veggies and fresh fruit, even though you may have other ‘treats’ you don’t have while you’re at home.
I love travelling with my mini Hamilton Beach blender to make my USANA MySmartShakes. While staying at an AirBnB for example, this is a great way to make a quick healthy breakfast, all you need is a banana or other fresh fruit to make it super tasty. The fiber will help keep you regular. You can also bring a bag of Fibergy, which blends with water or juice.
Which includes, taking care of your gut.
As mentioned above, fiber is often what is lacking for a lot of people on vacation. Many resorts are very carbohydrate & protein heavy, without enough options for fiber from food. Constipation can be a real issue for many travelers. Staying hydrated with water is the first rule. Next is to eat as many green, leafy veggies or legumes as possible. And lastly, keep some USANA Probiotic on hand. It’s a powder that is stable at room temperature, so it’s perfect for travel, and it’s gluten, dairy and sugar free as well. This can save a bloated tummy as well.
Next: Keep moving.
It can be tempting to lay on the beach all day or snuggle up by the campfire with a good book, but if you’re not on an active vacation (i.e. surfing holiday), make sure that you are moving every day. Many resorts have free fitness classes and a gym on site. If not, walking around the resort or along the beach every day, will help your digestion and allow for your blood and lymph to keep circulating well.
Don’t forget to take care of your immune system.
In the past 4 years, every time I travel to a different climate, I have gotten a cold sore. USANA has a new immune support supplement called Proglucamune:
- Contains zinc and the InCelligence™ Beta-Glucan Complex to support healthy immunity.
- Helps you stay fit and well, even during times of occasional stress.
- Primes immune cells’ natural protective responses.
So I made the decision to see if taking this product before and during my trip to Costa Rica in November. I was curious to see if it would help, since a cold sore is caused by a virus. And coincidentally, this is the first trip in 4 years where I have not had a cold sore. I have been taking it daily every since. After 5 trips in 9 weeks, I remained healthy. And in the spring, after 2 back to back trips, with a 36 hour, 3 day course in the middle, I continued to stay healthy.
Finally, Practice gratitude.
Vacations can be physically and mentally challenging. When moments of difficulty do arise (and they will, especially when travelling with children), it’s critical to find a place of gratitude and breathe through it. Being able to quickly diffuse difficult situations by shifting to gratitude is one key to staying healthy on vacation. It helps to remind your kids that most of their friends are often stuck at home while they get to swim in the pool or ocean.
What other tips do you have for staying healthy on vacation? When is your next holiday planned? Please share this post with friends who are traveling over the summer holiday season!
And I’d love to share with you a free 10 minute Gratitude Meditation I recorded & when you sign up, you’ll receive a Weekly Gratitude Love Letter with Exclusive Content!
