Travelling can often result in your waistline expanding …

Despite how much you may (or may not) walk during your holiday, visiting all the must-see sites that attracted you to your destination, you will no doubt eat more than you normally would … the buffet breakfasts, sit down lunch with a well deserved cold beverage (typically beer!) and a two or three course dinner where you simply have to try the local cuisine!

If you’re going away for a weekend here and there, eating a few heavy meals isn’t the end of the world. I generally find my weight only increases between 0.5kg – 1.5kg which is relatively unnoticeable and very easy to lose when you are back in a routine. But, when you’re either a frequent traveller or travelling for extended periods you’re guaranteed to start noticing those trousers tighten around the waistline!

Here are some tips to help you stay in a routine and prevent yourself from putting on those extra kgs!

• When looking for a hotel, try to pick one with a fitness centre.  I met someone who refused to stay in hotels without a Sauna, which then I thought was ludicrous, but lately (except for Italy where it is almost impossible), I couldn’t agree more!  My day always starts off better when I get the chance to jump on the treadmill or do some weights!
• If you enjoy exercising at home, there is no reason this should stop when you’re on holidays.  Even if you get up that half hour earlier in the morning, do a few push-ups, squats or lunges and not your full routine.

• Walk instead of taking public transport.  More often than not, where you want to go is not far from where you are!  Instead of taking the bus, tube or train a couple of stops, check to see how far it is to walk and it may only be 15 – 20 minutes and in that case, you should opt to walk instead – not only will it save you money on transport tickets, but you will burn off those extra calories and see more of your destination!

• Meal choices.  This is the challenge…I have a never-ending struggle when faced selecting a meal from a menu! I have to, at least once, experience the local delicacies, especially if I received a recommendation from a local. I have (in my opinion) experienced a variety of unusual meals and whether I actually enjoyed them, they have on many occasions been calorific. When visiting a seaside town with many seafood options, spreading my calories over the days doesn’t cross my mind as many seafood options are quite healthy. However, when I travel through countries, such as Italy (which also happens to be my favourite country), there is a constant struggle with my love of bruschetta, pasta, pizza and gelato and this is something I often need to be reminded of.

I am sitting in an apartment overlooking Lago Di Camo (Lake Como) and specifically selected a vegetarian panini and water at lunch (admittedly drinking a less healthy beer whilst writing this post) as I knew we reserved a table where I am absolutely going to enjoy a three-course dinner with matching wine.

That’s great, but what do you suggest?!

You could start with a big hearty breakfast at the hotel:

Followed by a lighter option at lunch, perhaps a salad or grilled meat dish:

At dinner you can either continue your healthy trend or splash out for that pasta you know you deserve! This will help you keep a well-balanced diet while you’re on the move!

Check out our tips page for some other helpful travel tips!!!