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Simple Ways to Keep Resolutions While on Vacation

By Melinda M. Houser
Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Sciences
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service


Mid-way through the year is the perfect time to check in and see how you are keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions or even to make new ones. Because of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and local farms, summer is the perfect time to eat smart and move more. Unfortunately, vacations can sometimes throw a wrench in our plans.

Whether it’s the lure of restaurants while on the road or the simple desire to relax and unwind on a lazy summer day by laying in the hammock---on vacation the healthy habits we practice at home can fall by the wayside. With these strategies you can still eat smart and move more while you’re relaxing and enjoying summer fun.

Plan ahead for healthy snacks. Avoid grabbing chips and ice cream from the snack cart. Instead,pack healthier options such as string cheese, crackers or fruit. If you’re traveling and faced with vending machine choices look for baked chips, fig bars, nuts in small portions, whole grain crackers and bottled water.

Choose activities that fit where you are vacationing. Are you traveling to the mountains, to the beach or to another city? Match your activities with your location. When at the beach, take a stroll along the shore. Bring a beach ball and play a game of catch. Build a sandcastle or splash in the waves. If you’re headed to the mountains check out some of the many trails. Hike and explore the scenery.

Take some breaks. Relaxing on vacation is hard work. Take a break from your beach towel to walk the beach and search for shells. If you’re stuck in the car, plan to stop at rest stops for a walking break.

Choose wisely at restaurants. Look for items that are baked, broiled or grilled. If you’re on a road trip and fast food is the only option, choose grilled sandwiches with a side of fruit and opt to skip the supersized portions.

Get everyone involved. While visiting with family and friends, gather everyone together for summer activities. Visit a park and pack a healthy picnic or involve everyone in cooking a healthy meal. It will be easier to stay on track if you have support with loved ones.

Perhaps this year you’ve chosen to stay home and vacation. Even though you’re at home, that’s no reason to forget your resolutions to eat smart and move more. Plan fun activities for you and your family. Host a family decathlon with various games and sports. It really helps to schedule time for activities to get you out of the house and to move more.

Armed with these tips, you can still have fun on your vacation and keep up with your resolutions to eat smart and move more.

Fruit Smoothie Snack

Choose ½ cup of a fruit
• Bananas
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
Choose 1 cup of a base
• Low-fat plain yogurt
• Low-fat vanilla yogurt
• Low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
• Frozen juice concentrate, such as apple or orange
• Frozen fruit
• Ice cubes
Choose ½ cup of a liquid
• Low-fat or fat-free milk
• 100% fruit juice
• Calcium-fortified soy milk

Directions:
Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Serve immediately. This will give you enough for two people. If there are more than two of you, you can make twice as much.

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