Did you know that switching to diet drinks and water can account for thousands of calories every day when you're on vacation? Healthy traveling is possible if you make smart decisions about your diet, but many vacationers do not realize just how bad drinks can be for your waistline. If you're planning a vacation, you can use the following tips to make sure that what you drink doesn't add to your acai diet problems:
- Make smart choices about mixed drinks.
It is your vacation – so go ahead and have a few alcoholic beverages if you are so inclined! However, if you are on a diet, make sure that you're making wise choices, especially when it comes to mixed drinks. Some cocktails can be loaded with thousands of calories in a single glass. For the best choices, stick to drinks made with seltzer water and diet sodas. Skip anything that is creamy, like pina coladas, as these usually have more calories.
- Pack a water bottle.
When you go to the pool for some down time or pull up a beach chair to relax by the waves, staying hydrated is important. If you don't have anything to drink in your bag, you'll be more likely to make a bad choice, such as ordering a cocktail or buying a milkshake on the boardwalk. Pack a water bottle that you can fill at the hotel before you leave so you have something fresh to drink and aren't tempted by the slushies and sodas marketed to tourists.
- Beware coffee drinks.
Coffee might be a way you like to kick-start your day at home, but beware of coffee drinks that you purchase at restaurants and cafes. In your hotel room, making a pot of coffee allows you to control the milk and sugar you put into it, but that iced frappe latte you purchase at the stand in the hotel lobby doesn't give you that same control and is probably more comparable to a dessert than to actual coffee.
- Ask for a glass of water with your meal.
While you're on vacation, you'll likely eat at a number of restaurants, and many offer free fountain drinks, with servers refilling your soda and iced tea before you even ask for a new glass. Indulge in one drink with dinner to treat yourself, but ask for a glass of water as well. That way, you don't get a second or third or even fourth soda with your meal.
It can be difficult to say no to high-calorie, sugar-packed drinks while you're on vacation. Don't get bogged down with trying to count every calorie, but just be thoughtful as to what you're sipping during the day and drink as much water as possible. Remember, before you leave, purchase a great travel insurance policy as well, so if you do feel sick while on vacation, from the drink or otherwise, you can get the care you need as quickly as possible.
Allison works with www.TravelInsurance.org, where you can go to learn more about this kind of insurance and get a travel insurance quote for your next vacation.
