How to Stay Healthy on Holiday

by Justine Glenton

An Ashtanga & Zen Yoga Teacher

It's difficult enough to stay healthy and fit while travelling, but being out and about during the holidays sometimes make things even more complicated. Rich foods and drinks, lack of exercise and lots of stress can take a toll on your health. To avoid paying for it later on, it's important to take a few steps to remain healthy during the hectic holiday times. Simple but applicable things to remember are to get enough sleep. The holidays are often hectic and trying to combine that with flights or lengthy road trips usually ends up with you being sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep can make you overeat, cause dizziness, make you sluggish and affect your mood. Aim for six to nine hours a night and take a short nap in the afternoon if you need it. If you're short on sleep, try to rest while on the plane or in the passenger's seat of the car.

by Matthew Powell

A Body Aware Specialist

Ok, so here it is. In the spirit of honesty, integrity and that thing I preach so regularly – balance, here’s my take on what it takes to look after yourself when getting away from it all.

It all starts at home. Where are you going, why are you going and who are you going with? A little sunshine with the family or a romantic break from the hum drum with your fella or lady? Is it the body that’s tired or the mind that’s fried? Do you need to tune in, turn on, or cop out?

by Lucy Miller

A Fitness and Nutrition Expert

Beat sunbathing guilt and holiday weight gain with these tips
 
It’s finally here – that much needed beach break, so how do you propose to keep holiday weight at bay? Have you got an action plan? You may need one if you want to stay relatively fit and healthy – it only takes some boozy nights and lazy days of over-eating and not moving to pile on a few pounds. Unfortunately no matter where you go, you can’t get away from the temptation of all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets and ice creams shops, which can undo all the months of hard work at the gym. It’s good to let go and enjoy your holiday, but do you really want to start all over again when you get back onto home ground? I thought not. By following just a few of these tips you can stay fit and healthy while away, without any mention of being a killjoy!

by Maureen Cromey

An Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Expert

I recommend holidays to many of my patients. In fact I think a lot of ailments, and life’s ills can be cleared with a good break.... proper relaxation, lovely food, and gentle daily exercise away from stresses and pressures of home works wonders.

We discuss their holiday plans, where will they go, will they be very sporty, and will it be a foodie extravaganza indulging in exotic rich foods and wines?  They may be travelling long haul or driving for several days.  How does the weather contrast with home, will it be hot/humid/freezing? 

by Dr. Sarah Brewer

A Nutritionist and Doctor

Vomiting and diarrhoea –affectionately referred to as Delhi Belly, Montezuma's Revenge or Torremolinos Trots - is the commonest health problem to strike travellers abroad. Up to half of those visiting tropical regions are affected, along with 10% of visitors to European resorts. Attention to hygiene is vital, to help avoid spending precious days in your holiday bathroom, nice as it may be.

by Steve Halsall

A Celebrity Personal Trainer

Funny subject really, ‘how to stay fit and healthy on holiday’. Funny in that most people look at a holiday as a reward for their labours and an excuse to kick back and indulge. Why not?

Thing is, everyone whom I have ever trained who adopted this kind of attitude, come back from holiday, fatter, more miserable and determine never to ‘do that again’!