By Caitlin Venedam, Platinum Fitness Personal Training

Despite being avid traveller and lover of all things health, I also admit I have no willpower against the excitement of trying new foods in new countries- and in some cases, my favorite comfort foods in the countries I frequent!

Dining out is always a staple of vacations, and traveling in general. There are no two ways about it. And it\’s not very often we are vacationing at summer homes that come complete with a full kitchen to play in- let alone the desire to do so. I highly doubt even Jamie Oliver and Rachel Ray spend their holidays in their aprons.

So what exactly do we do when meal prep isn\’t an option? When nutrition labels are in Italian? When all-inclusive includes automatic refills of Piña Coladas?

Here are a few simple ways I keep from compromising my healthy lifestyle while on holiday!

• Snacks make the best travel companions!

You\’ll never go hungry, can avoid stuffing your face when dining out, and let\’s face it…who doesn\’t love snacks?!

• ALWAYS have your own healthy snack options handy when flying (airplane food tends to be pretty carb-y. Plus, if I\’ve forgotten snacks, I\’ll always eat them for fear I\’ll sleep through the next meal.

• Although we can\’t bring healthy drinks on the plane, we can bring the protein powder to make them! Huzzah!

• Stay Hydrated!

It\’s unbelievable what a simple concept that is and how difficult it is to maintain when you\’re out of your routine. Keepin\’ the water flowin keeps yo\’ metabolism goin! (As my grandmother always said…)

• Always have a water bottle with you!

• And remember to refill it (Duh!)

• But remember to fill it after?you\’ve gone through security at the airport.

• Also keep in mind that in some places -such as Mexico- drinking the local water isn\’t the part of the culture you want to take in!

• Keep the Cultural Experience in Check

The experiencing of local culinary delights is a huge component of experiencing a new culture…and often the best one, but we can\’t always know exactly what\’s in our delectable dishes.

• Give yourself a goal of trying 1 new dish per day.

• Limit the portion of that dish to match your usual healthy portions.
  • Avoid Drinking Your Diet Away

• First and foremost: COUNT! Keep track of your drinks throughout the day / night.

• Give yourself a limit and place that many pennies in your pocket. Toss one out with every drink and when you\’re out…you know what to do… (It\’s a good ole fashioned trick I picked up at college)
  • Use the Power of Point of View

• New country = Uncharted running territory!

• Not a runner? Rent a bike! Remember that hills are the key to a great view.

• Just because the pool has a bar, doesn\’t mean it can\’t be used for laps! Or water aerobics! Boom!

• A buffet is not an eating competition…just a table with a LOT?of choices. Be a buffet champion : set your own limits.

I could list hundreds of these little tips and tricks, but the most important rule of all – even more than following them- is to know your weaknesses! These tips all target mine, and I\’m sure you\’ve got a few of your own as well! Don\’t stress yourself out or let yourself obsess over them, just be conscious of them. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is not a diet, with a drastic changes and quick results, but a way of living that guarantees long-term results. It requires consistency, and the process by which to achieve that consistency can only be decided by you. This is what works for me, but as I often say, \”you do you!\”.