Effortless Ways To Stay Healthy On Any Vacation

Finding a balance between enjoying a favorite dish, taking a break from rigorous workout routines and maintaining a nutritionally sensible diet is doesn't have to be a tricky ordeal. Start by getting familiarized with some knowledge about different options.

Water is going to be your very best friend on any vacation. Aside from long-term effects such as kidney failure, weight gain, high cholesterol and premature aging that dehydration causes, more immediate consequences are constipation, poor digestion, bad mood, headaches, and fatigue. Drinking water, plain, naturally flavored with fruits, or in soups or other foods, is crucial to your health. 

Sunscreen is not just for when the sun is out. "I recommend to my patients wear sunscreen all the time," Adam Mamelak, MD, FRCPC, FACMS from Sanova Dermatology, says. "All of us get incidental exposures of sun that in some cases can cause sunburn and significant skin damage. Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis can help prevent this," he adds.

A study from the University of Utah basically proved that people are made to walk. Researchers had different athletes run in different styles while measuring their oxygen levels at all times. The result was that walking – not running – was most efficient way to stay in shape and lose weight while being easiest on your body.

Many cities have adapted and become more bike-friendly. City bike paths continue to expand, connecting more districts and whole cities, providing an opportunity for the ultimate trip. For example, the Virginia Capital Trail crosses approximately 52 miles, four jurisdictions, and more than 400 years of history along one of the first inland routes in North America.

Sign up for walking tours instead of taking a cab from one tourist attraction to another; go hiking so you can see incredible natural wonders near the city you're visiting; or snorkel with sea turtles and see stunning coral reefs, weather permitting. Have you ever been backcountry camping or spent a whole night under the stars? It's a majestic experience. Know what the best active adventure in every state is.

Research has shown that the drop in temperature can bring a myriad of benefits. A cold shower may help give your immune system a boost (not to mention that cold water has been known to burn fat and speed workout recovery). A quicker heart rate in response to the chilly water gets blood. Better circulation is good for cardiovascular health. Also, hot water dries the skin and hair, which can mean rough itchy skin and scalps. Cold water closes up pores temporarily, which will prevent them from getting clogged and makes hair appear healthier and shinier by flattening hair follicles.

Don't eat our every night. The only way to know what's really in your food is to cook it yourself. Make it a date night or a family fun event – while also saving money – and prepare dinner yourself. Find outdoor farmers market and buy local ingredients and produce. This is also better if you want to make local dishes. Avoid eating at restaurants in touristy areas. They are not authentic and should be avoided at all costs. 

Eating healthier is a lot about consuming more fruits and vegetables. They add essential nutrients to diets, reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and help manage healthy body weight. Some vegetables lose nutrients in the process of cooking, but others are better for you roasted or grilled. Don't be afraid to grill fruits either.

Portions in most restaurants are unhealthily big (and people's eyes are generally bigger than their stomachs). Protect your body and don't over-order. If you are a company of three, order two appetizers and main courses and share the food. Bonus: This is another way to save money while on vacation.

Don't let yourself starve; you are not doing your body or mind a favor. Your body needs about 2,000 calories a day to function properly. It must have its vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep you healthy so you don't gain weight, get constipated or sick, or lose your energy...Anything less than that puts it in stress mode.

Studies have shown that restriction often leads to overeating. Among the 103 women in the research, chocolate-deprived restrained eaters consumed more chocolate food than did any other group. Restrained eaters experienced more food cravings than did unrestrained eaters and were more likely to eat the craved food. A small dessert won't hurt you and there are ways in which you can consume sweets and not gain weight.

Have some food in the morning to get your metabolism kicking. You will also have more energy throughout the day, which means you won't be overeating later. Studies have shown that skipping breakfast was associated with a significantly higher risk of obesity. Another benefit of eating healthy in the morning is steady blood sugar levels.

Makeup left on overnight can clog pores leading to blemishes and breakouts, Dr. Mamelak says. Makeup is made to last longer and longer; some women have it on for 12 hours. You absolutely want to take it all off at the end of the day in order for your skin to breathe. All the dirt you've been exposed to during the day traps inside the pores and changes the pH levels under the skin, which, in turn, can become very oily or dry.

One or two decadent cocktails are OK during the course of your trip, but there are lighter options you can choose that will help keep your alcohol and sugar-based calories to a minimum while you're away. Sweet cocktails are among the worst drinks for your body. Alcohol gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream increasing glucose quickly, and doesn't get digested like normal food does. Pair that with the sugar that spikes your blood sugar levels and it's like drinking a liquid candy bar. The clearer the liquor, the better.

The idea that naps are useless is a popular sleeping myth, experts say. Quick power naps, which may just be the secret to live a long, happy life, can make you more alert. The best kind of nap is 20-30 minutes long and taken around the same time during the day. Avoid extended naps after 4 p.m. because they can mess with your ability to fall asleep later.