For most guys, eating healthy while on vacation is tough. You’re away from home, and healthy dining options are few and far between. Nevertheless, there are some ways to eat well on the road without coming back several pounds heavier. Follow these simple nutrition suggestions for men to keep your diet on track while getting the most out of your vacation time.
1. Pack some snacks. Whether you’re flying or driving, you’ll more than likely get hungry on the trip. Store some snacks to calm any cravings on the road. Some good choices are trail mix, whole grain crackers and dried fruit. All of these snacks have necessary nutrients that men need for their nutrition, like fiber, protein and carbs; protein is especially important if you want to build muscle. You may also want to take a whey protein powder with you so you can mix a shake for a snack. Read “The Benefits of Protein for Men” for more information on this essential nutrient.
2. Do your research. Knowing in advance what restaurants are around your hotel will help you decide where – and what — to eat. Go online and look at the websites for nearby restaurants. Many restaurants now provide their menus online and others go as far as posting nutritional content. You’ll be surprised to see that some dining options can contain a day’s worth of calories in one dish!
3. Learn the lingo. If you didn’t do any research beforehand, there is a simple way to figure out which entrees are the healthiest on the menu. All you have to do is look at the item names. If you see fried, battered, buttered or smothered anywhere in the description, steer clear. Stick to items that are baked, grilled, steamed and broiled.
4. Drink lots of water. We tend to confuse hunger with thirst sometimes. If your stomach is growling, see if a glass/bottle of water is enough to quiet it down. More than likely, it’s enough. If not, feel free to munch on some of the healthy snacks we listed above. By drinking water first, you’ll avoid overeating and save yourself some calories if you’re indeed thirsty. Read “9 Hydration Tips for Men” for tips on getting enough water.
5. Go to the grocery store. When we’re short on time, we tend to gravitate toward fast-food places. That’s a huge mistake. You’re better off stopping at a grocery store and picking up a quick meal. Compared to a fast-food joint, a supermarket offers plenty of options you can enjoy in a jiffy. Pick some fruits, granola bars or a wrap at the deli – all of these are way better than a fatty burger and fries. Check out “Fat-Burning Foods for Men” for some ideas.
6. Drink in moderation. Although you might feel the need to throw back a few during your time off, don’t overdo it. Alcohol stimulates your appetite and lowers your inhibitions. As a result, you’re more likely to forget about your diet and binge on some unhealthy bar fare. Stick to no more than 1 or 2 drinks a day.
7. Share a meal. Many restaurant portions are twice – or triple – the size of a typical serving. You may be better off splitting a dish with a family member or friend to avoid excess calories. Also, consider ordering an appetizer instead of an entrée; appetizers are usually more portion controlled and easy to share with others.
8. Don’t forget your men’s supplements. It’s more difficult to get all your vitamins when eating on the go. Because of this, it’s especially important that you pack your men’s nutritional supplements to take with you. This includes your men’s multivitamin, antioxidant supplement and omega-3 fish oil supplement. All of these nutrition supplements for men will help fill in any diet gaps during your trip.
9. Choose muscle-building foods. Instead of just going mostly for simple carbs, choose lean protein like lean meats and fish, which have protein and other nutrients like omega 3 fish oil and CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid) that can actually help you build muscle. If you’re working out while on vacation, don’t forget to try a pre-workout supplement and post-workout supplement to maximize your workout gains.
10. Indulge a little. This is your vacation so if you feel like indulging at dinner, go ahead – but don’t make it a habit. It’s OK to have a cheat meal every now and then, but an entire cheat day is just asking for diet trouble. Just use your common sense and you can rest assured knowing that the occasional treat won’t hurt you in the long-run.
