Published on March 29, 2021

Vacation Can Still Be Healthy

the word healthy written in sand

“Why aren’t we flying? Because getting there is half the fun. You know that.” Do you remember this quote from the hit comedy National Lampoon’s Vacation? I do.

While you might not be loading up the Griswald Family Truckster just yet, Spring Break is just around the corner which means a nice getaway for many people.       

Don’t let your healthy eating and exercise habits fly out the window the minute to you pull out of the driveway. Instead, let a little planning take you a long way. Here are some quick tips for good health during your next vacation.

For short trips, pack some simple breakfast foods and healthy snack foods to have on hand. If your travel destination includes a kitchenette or condo take advantage of this. Visit the local supermarket and stock up on some staples to have on hand during your stay such as low fat milk, yogurt, whole grain unsweetened cereals, vegetable sticks, fruit, lean lunch meats, whole wheat bread and bottled water.

While at restaurants, look for menu items that mention words such as grilled, roasted, baked, broiled, and in its own juice. Split an entrée or dessert and limit heavy sauces and dressing. It’s a great idea to try out some of the local favorites, but opt for ones that are prepared healthily. 

Avoid the urge to “save up” for a big evening meal or you may eat more than you intended to. Some people prefer to have their larger meal at noon.  Lunchtime portions tend to be smaller (and cheaper). 

Regardless of your intentions, we all tend to splurge at one time or another while vacationing. Include some active fun in your vacation plans to offset these extra calories.

While packing, don’t forget to throw in a good pair of tennis shoes and some exercise clothes. You never know what kinds of opportunities may pop up.

Check out the local walking paths or rent bicycles for the day. If you are on the beach, take a daily walk, play Frisbee or try a few sets of beach volleyball. Swim laps or try some water aerobics in the pool. Did you know that doing some forms of water aerobics burns between 400-700 calories an hour?  

As much as we all love vacationing, we often equally dislike the challenge of maintaining a balanced diet. Keep these tips in mind the next time you travel so your trip can be both enjoyable and healthy. Remember the key is moderation. Safe travels!

Meet Our Dietitian

At Owensboro Health, you’ll get nutrition counseling from a registered nutritionist — an expert in medical nutrition therapy. Beth Cecil, RDN, LD (right), is certified in food allergy management and is a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She also holds a Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Management, so you can trust her to care for your or your loved one’s specialized needs.

About Owensboro Health

Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.

On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.