5 Genius Ways To Eat Healthily (Without Depriving Yourself) On Vacation

While we'd all love to return from vacation feeling refreshed, you may end your travels feeling sluggish and out of balance. This common experience stems from a variety of factors, from jet lag to lack of sleep to yes, the food you ate. 

While we'd never suggest putting yourself on a strict diet during a vacation just for the sake of healthy eating, keeping up with a few small nutrition habits could make a huge difference in your gut health, mood, and energy levels on the road.

"Visit a uniquely local market and pick up produce and other odds and ends to enjoy for snacks or breakfast," registered dietitian, nutrition consultant, and bestselling author of The MIND Diet Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D., suggests. Look for fresh fruit, vegetables, and local proteins of your choice. Try to experiment with produce you may not have at your home base, too. 

It's not exactly easy to stick with your workout routine while you're on vacation, especially if that involves novelty gym equipment or a Pilates reformer. Instead, prioritize movement over rigid exercises. 

"Physical activity can play a significant role in your body's metabolism and overall health, even while on vacation," internal medicine doctor and chief medical officer of Modern Age Anant Vinjamoori, M.D., explains. If possible, Vinjamoori says, take a walk or engage in some form of light exercise about 30 minutes after eating. 

"This coincides with the peak of glucose delivery into your bloodstream for most people, helping to optimize the body's energy use and maintain better metabolic control," he explains. 

If you crave even more movement, set aside time in the morning to do a quick yoga flow, go on a scenic run, or take a local exercise class to get your day off to an energized start.

"I recommend sticking as close to your usual supplement routine as possible but making some travel-specific tweaks," dietitian, health coach, and author Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, INHC, says. 

"For example, I often will take extra probiotics when traveling, and if I know vegetable options may be limited, I may add a greens supplement," she adds. 

Do your best to keep up with an adequate hydration plan, as dehydration can manifest as fatigue, headaches, and other not-so-fun feelings to have on vacation.

All these habits aside, remember that you're on vacation and shouldn't stress over sticking to a rigid routine, diet, or workout plan. 

"An indulgent meal or even an indulgent week won't permanently impact your overall diet," Cording says, and neither will skipping a workout. 

If you tend to come back from vacation feeling sluggish and out of balance, try implementing healthy habits in your travel routine.