By now, most (if not all) of us have returned from holiday. In fact, some people may be planning the next little getaway to help them ease into the year. Unless you’re very disciplined, your diet probably went out the window the moment you checked into your hotel. Why – because it’s tough to eat healthy while you’re on holiday. But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Dominique van Wezop, Head of Operations Food and Drinks at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town. According to Dominique there are a number of easy ways to keep up the health and fitness routines that you committed to earlier in the year. Here’s her advice on staying the course.
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1. Do Your Research
Look your hotel up online and check out what the restaurant and room service menus offer. This will give you a better idea of what to expect long before you get there. If you don’t see anything you like or you need a few things swapped out, you can ask the hotel ahead of time so that the kitchen is aware of your dietary requirements.
2. Breakfast Is Your Winning Meal
Out of all the meals that you eat in a day, breakfast is the one you have the most control over when staying at a hotel. Continental breakfast offerings give you a choice of fresh fruit, healthy juices, and egg white omelettes. Eggs pack a lot of protein and offer many good nutrients, too. So no matter where you stay, the hotel breakfast spread will have enough options to ensure that you CAN eat healthy while you’re on holiday.
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3. Keep Healthy Snacks Close At Hand
Travellers usually keep a day bag or two with them. As part of the daily essentials, pack in some healthy snacks. Ask your hotel concierge for the nearest grocery store (if you don’t know your way around) and buy a few healthy snacks that you can keep with you while you’re out exploring. This will make it easier for you to avoid the temptation of unhealthy foods when you get hungry on the go.
4. Opt For The Healthier Option
If you’re ordering a cappuccino, opt for fat-free milk instead of full-cream, or if you’re in the mood for toast, ask for wholewheat bread or even fresh sourdough. Many restaurants offer healthy and filling vegetarian or vegan dishes. So, instead of hot chips as a side, rather opt for the salad or vegetables.
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5. Keep Active
It’s very tempting to relax and do nothing while you’re travelling, but it’s important to work in activities where you can. Check if your hotel has a fitness centre or a nice running route close by.
“The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront has become very popular for those wanting to train while on holiday,” says Dominique. “Our guests enjoy our #BluRoutes along the Sea Point Promenade, and for those days when they don’t feel like venturing out, our gym has stunning marina views.”
It’s easy enough to do a short workout in your hotel room or simply add in a tourist activity that involves an element of fitness, such as a sight-seeing cycle through the city.
So, while it’s tricky to stay fit and eat healthy while you’re on holiday, it’s certainly not impossible. All it takes is a little research, planning and some old-fashioned commitment.
Compiled by Kelly Fisher; and Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst
