Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
When you're on holiday, it's very easy to fall into 'holiday mode' and forget about healthy eating.
The worst thing you can do is tell yourself 'It's okay, I'm on holiday'. That usually opens the door for bingeing and you end up piling on unnecessary weight that you later have to work very hard to get rid of.
If you are travelling around this holiday season, it's always wise to plan your snacks. Do not depend on the commercial food that you find at airports because that is usually of very poor quality.
You should pay even more attention to planning your snacks if you are travelling with kids. I would suggest you pack quick, easy snacks that don't spill or spoil such as raisins, vegetable sticks, or even hard-boiled eggs.
Also, it helps to find out what time you'll be arriving and plan a snack accordingly. For example, if you'll be arriving at your destination in the morning, it's good to have a snack handy to stay satisfied until you find a restaurant or a grocery store to shop at.
Most importantly, remember that during your journey, it's best not to eat at times when you wouldn't normally be eating. For example, if you are taking a late night flight, it might be wise to skip the meal on the plane simply because that wouldn't normally be a time for you to eat. Eating at odd hours can upset digestion and cause digestive discomforts.
If you will be staying at home this holiday, you might be going to or hosting parties and get-togethers with friends. Don't you just hate the feeling of coming home after a party and feeling like you've had way too much to eat and drink?
Well I have a few good tips for that. First of all, try to 'eat before you meet'. In other words, have a little snack before you go out to dinner. That way you will not be tempted to eat a heavy meal and you will not be so hungry that you order too much off the menu. Try having a small green salad or an apple before you go. Sometimes even having a drink of water can help to curb extreme hunger.
If you're going to a party, do not stand near the food. That just spells disaster! And, if you're at a buffet, remind yourself to choose only three items to add to your plate. Make one of these items a salad and do not go back for seconds or dessert.
A friend of mine tells me that she has the worst time after hosting a party. After all the stress of organising and hosting, she loves waking up in the morning to enjoy the left-over desserts, and that's what makes her suffer the most in terms of weight gain!
I strongly recommend that if you're hosting a party, make sure to give away all the left-over food the same night. You can give it to your guests if they are close friends, or you can distribute it to neighbours or staff. Whatever you do, do not keep desserts in the fridge for you to eat the next day. That will send all your health efforts out the window!
If you're the type of person who gains weight whilst on holiday, make sure you don't wear very loose clothing that makes you forget your waist size. Wear your pants with a belt for example, to keep track of any increase.
Also, it's important to make exercise non-negotiable during a holiday. Most people take a break from exercise during a holiday, which is a big trap.
Since you will probably have more spare time during the holiday, make sure you get as much exercise as possible. If you fall short on time, try to combine exercise with an outing. For example, if you are going to the mall, try to walk around the mall two or three times before you start your shopping.
Try to remember your holiday by what you did, not what you ate!
For more health information, sign up for my free weekly eNewsletter on www.AliaAlmoayed.com
TUNE in to Alia Almoayed's weekly live internet radio show entitled: Dare to be Healthy, which airs live every Monday night. Go to www.AliaAlmoayedRadio.com
