How to Enjoy Food and Fun on Vacation Without Gaining a Pound: Two Points to Remember

In my last post I shared pictures and wrote of the eight cities I visited on the coast of southern France.  I mentioned that I did not want for anything when it came to trying new and exciting foods.  

How does one enjoy food and relax on vacation without gaining weight? Below are my two, tried and true pieces of advice for accomplishing that.

First and foremost remember: Eat healthy food first, treats second. While in Southern France this time around, I sampled a lot of delicious food. But it was just that - small samples. Otherwise, I stuck to eating lots of fruit and vegetables, lean meat (mainly Mediterranean seafood), and a little grain and dairy - the way I usually eat at home.

Keep in mind, the food wasn't all the same as usual. I got to try fresh foods from the local markets of southern France, which are unique and different in their own way from what I eat at home.

Fruits and herbs from the local farmer's market - open daily

Fresh: Oysters, Beans, Mixed Greens, Mango, Beets, Baguette

Fresh seafood cooked in white wine -  delicious, healthy and light

Cheese and Chocolate - For small samples only

Don't be fooled - These fruits and vegetables are made from chocolate- they don't count as a fruit or veg serving! 

To be honest, whole grains went out the window because baguettes are queen in France and they’re rarely made with whole wheat.  Across the street from us was a bakery that made fresh ones every few hours.  (The next bakery was 300 feet away.)  Even so, we ate bread in modest amounts and along with our meal so I still got to enjoy my share of crunchy, warm, soft goodness without overdoing it.

Bread, Bread, Bread! 

Second, and equally important, don't throw exercise out the window because you're on vacation. Exercise is half of the equation when balancing calories in / calories out.

When I’m talking about exercise, I mean heart pumping, sweat-making, exercise, not just walking about. Even though you may walk a lot when touring which amps up the calorie burn, maintain your regular workout routine as much as possible.

Since there’s no work to interfere, I usually do more exercise on vacation than I can otherwise. It balances out nicely because sometimes I also eat a bit more.

The Hills of Eze

How does one fit exercise into travel? Schedule your workouts at the beginning of the week, and get them done at the beginning of each day. That way, if you get sidetracked by something fun - not to worry because you've done your exercise.

I completed 8 days of regular exercise on my 2 week trip using this technique. If that sounds like a lot to you, when I break it down it won’t seem crazy. Here's how I did it this time around:

Upon arriving in Cannes, we ran around the city. This is how I get a quick view of what the place has to offer, and make mental notes on what I want to see later, all while getting my exercise done. A quick run (or walk) also really helps you to feel better after a day of travel.

Villas in Cannes

We found a great run route and made a schedule to run every other day before lunch. Sometimes we ran to the sea and jumped in, other times we ran towards the villas on the hill. We saw some impressive homes while dodging the Lamborghinis and Ferraris like a mini obstacle course.

Note: You don’t have to run, fast walking for exercise works well too.

One morning I did an hour and a half of Pilates and Yoga in my room while my companions went to the market. When traveling, a yoga or Pilate’s session can really get the kinks out of the body.

During the second week I spent more time touring so there was less time for exercise. That week I did lots of walking while touring but I still fit in 3 days of regular exercise. I ran one morning through Cannes, and one through Paris. One morning I paid for a day pass to a gym before heading off to Monaco.

Now that doesn’t seem too crazy, does it?

Ancient Amphitheater in Monaco

 Monaco

I wrote these last few posts to share with you how exercise and eating right is possible even when your schedule is abnormal, like when traveling for work or pleasure.

Travel and fun doesn’t have to equate to weight gain. In fact, vacations can be your way of getting healthier - physically, mentally, and spiritually. They don't have to equal spending a lot of money or overindulging in food. But, they should help you to feel rejuvenated and refreshed, and give you some wonderful memories.