It is a normal part of traveling to try new cuisines. Food tells a lot about the culture and history of its people. It shows the way of life.
It is not bad to eat to all your heart’s content, especially while on vacation. Many people do gain weight whenever they are outside their home countries and exploring a foreign town. In fact, one study found that adults who went on a one- to three-week vacation gained a pound on average during their out-of-town trips.
It is normal, and it happens. When people are on holiday, they tend to eat more because they want to try as many unfamiliar dishes as possible before leaving. Moreover, those who are getting a week off from work for the first time in a long time tend to pamper themselves when traveling, and that includes eating good food.
However, it is a problem when the weight gain is not lost after the trip and builds up over time. It contributes to “creeping obesity,” the pattern in which adults gain small amounts of weight over the years, increasing the risk of adverse health conditions.
A huge portion of the population of Singapore is already overweight or obese. So, while gaining a bit of weight while on vacation is not bad, it is still not ideal. You can prevent it from happening by following these tips.
Plan Ahead
When on a trip, you do not bring your regular habits and routines. You likely will develop a new one which will involve sleeping in, eating later than usual, snacking than usual, and staying up well into the morning.
That is why you should work meals into your itinerary. It will prevent you from forgetting to eat, which often happens when you are having fun, and becoming very hungry, which will push you to eat more in your next meal.
There are apps and websites in which you can search and choose where to eat before heading to your destination. You can even look for restaurants that offer dishes that you have been hoping to try or serve food that adheres to your specific diet. If you are vegan, you can see all restaurants that serve vegan options across Singapore.
Practice Mindful Eating, at Least in the Morning
What and how you eat for breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. So, when on a trip, keep your first meal in the daylight. After all, you are expected to eat more indulgent meals for lunch and dinner. In the morning, you would not be depriving yourself if you opt instead for a bowl of oatmeal or get smaller portions at the breakfast buffet.
Moreover, practicing mindful eating means eating slowly and without distraction. Turn off your phone when you are eating or do not read the paper. Focus on your meal so that you do not eat more than you should.
Eating mindfully has already proven to aid in weight loss and create a healthier relationship with food.
Pack Healthy Snacks
As mentioned earlier, when you become starving, you might end up eating more food than you usually do. You end up, therefore, gaining and not losing weight when you starve.
When exploring a new city, pack some healthy snacks to munch on along the way. On the bus or at a popular spot, you would not be too hungry. Moreover, you can be sure that you are eating something good for yourself. The types of food sold in tourist destinations or by street vendors are not always the healthier options. Packed snacks are always better.
Take the Long Way Around
Traveling can increase your physical activity. When you are exploring, you are moving from one place to another.
However, because it is convenient and comfortable, most people take a cab to go around a foreign city. Instead of getting exercise during the trip, they continue to be sedentary.
Whenever possible, walk and do not take a shortcut. You should go to your destination on foot to inject more exercise and burn the snacks that you have been eating. As a bonus, walking and taking the long path to your hotel or a popular tourist destination might reveal sights and scenes that you otherwise might not witness because they are not recommended in travel blogs.
A bit of weight gain, especially after a trip, is fine, but it should not lead to adverse health conditions later on. Following these tips ensures that your vacation would not result in creeping obesity and its myriad consequences.
