All-inclusive trips away are a great way to relax and enjoy yourself, but they can also be a major temptation for your waistline. If you have been working hard, you will have earned some time off and a little overindulgence. There is nothing wrong with switching off. However, for those who want to return back to the UK bronzed, but still looking in top shape or if you're worried about gaining weight on your next all-inclusive holiday, here are some pragmatic tips from Recharge Fitness to help you stay on track:
(note, we are realists, ideally you wouldn't have the pancakes as a post breakfast treat, you avoid the free bar, and you'd skip the multiple rounds of puddings. But you're a Brit, and that's not how we all inclusive holiday. These tips are pragmatic).
1. Have a large glass of cold water before each meal
Hydration is important, especially in the sun. However, there are also big benefits in terms of digestion, metabolic boost, and that all important feeling of being full, this will help you when you're considering a third course.
2. Focus on protein and fibre.
Protein and fibre are two nutrients that will help you feel full and satisfied, so make sure to include plenty of them in your meals. Good sources of protein include eggs, lean meats, fish, and beans. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein is raises your metabolic rate due to the thermic effect of food, it'll also help your muscle recover from your workout (more on that later).
3. Limit your alcohol intake.
Too ambitious? Okay, drink smart! Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, so don't go mad, set yourself a time e.g. drink after 4pm, and if you do drink alcohol, try to choose drinks that are lower in calories, such as vodka soda or red wine. Lunchtime beers aren't your friend when it comes to calorie consumption.
4. Stay active.
It's important to stay active even on holiday. Even a short walk around the resort can help you burn calories and stay in shape. A top tip, refuse to use the escalator or lifts all holiday, this is simple and you'll burn a lot more calories over the course of your trip. You'll have a lot of time on your hands, why not commit to be a big step target e.g. 15,000 steps a day.
5. Don't be afraid to say no.
It's okay to say no to food that you don't want to eat. If you're not feeling hungry, or if it isn't absolutely delicious, don't feel pressured to finish your plate. The desserts get us, you end up trying everything, commit to trying just the one each day.
6. Crush your gym workouts
Think about this. You are never more primed to be smashing your workouts. You should be very well rested, and you realistically, despite these top tips, will be in a calorie surplus, and full of energy. Put this to good use. Use these workouts to really test yourself, a great routine that works well would be an early morning gym session, setting the tone for the day, before a tasty breakfast.
Following these tips will help you minimise weight gain on your next all-inclusive holiday. We are very all or nothing, that's human behaviour, but try not to go too crazy. So relax, enjoy yourself, and don't worry about your waistline, a little weight gain is fine, just don't go absolutely crazy and undo months of hard work. Hopefully these tried and tested tips work for you.
Have fun, and recharge your batteries!
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