I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t stuff my face while on vacation, because I did.

I’m also not going to pretend that I woke up every morning and worked out, because I didn’t.

I had every intention to, but sometimes I like to rebel, even against myself.

Yes, I used the gym once, but while there, I wished I was still in bed listening to the ocean and feeling the warm breeze flowing in from our balcony.

That’s when I congratulated myself for my efforts, patted myself on the back, and never stepped foot in the hotel gym again.

There are plenty of other ways to stay healthy while on vacation, so I opted for those instead.

Fitting in Fitness on Vacation.

Move

Go for two 30 minute walks on the beach throughout the day, once in the morning, and once after lunch. The sand is a killer leg workout, and you’ll get to tan your back without having to do the annoying chair flip.

how cool is that chair though?

Go On Excursions.

Snorkel, scuba dive, hike and zip-line. Experience what else your vacation spot has to offer, besides the beach.

Water Aerobics and Fitness Clubs

Most hotels offer free water aerobics, which is a fun way to meet new people while getting in your 30 minute of exercise.

Some hotels even have a “Runners Club”, which involves following an employee through trails along the island.

Use Your Body

While you’re getting ready for the night, do a couple sets of squats, push ups, lunges and crunches/planks. Simple moves that tone the whole body.

Drink plenty of water

It’s easy to become dehydrated  in the sun, or while you’re busy doing other things. Carrying a water bottle will work as a reminder to drink, drink, drink.

Water that is.

Eat Smart

Try to pick the lesser of the two evils.

If you are going to a restaurant for dinner that has best three cheese pasta around, then make smarter meal choices throughout the day. Snack on fresh fruit, nuts, and lots of lean proteins and vegetables for breakfast and lunch.

Do NOT starve yourself in order to “save calories” for your splurge. That NEVER works. Instead, share those heavy, rich dishes with someone at your table, or simply ask for half portion instead of the larger entrée option. .

Share

If there is a dessert that you MUST have, then split it with you significant other, family member or friend. Most of the time, a couple of bites does the trick anyway.

Forgo Frozen Cocktails

 Limit your Pina Colada, Miami Vice, and Frozen Mudslides throughout your vacation. They taste like dessert because they have as much sugar, fat and calories as a piece of triple chocolate cake.

Try and stick to clear alcohol, mixed with soda water and splash of fresh fruit juice. Or simply add citrus fruits to sweeten the flavor, such as pineapple, oranges, lemons and limes.

Light beer and wine are also better choices , but again, limit yourself.

Don’t Schedule Your Day Around Your Workout.

If you want to workout on vacation, then by all means, do so. But do not let it interfere with your day. Do what you can, make smart choices, enjoy your time away!

There is more to living healthy than living in the gym.