Staying fit and healthy while on vacation is a struggle for all of us. From fast food stops to long caffeine fueled drives to the next destination, traveling in an RV can sometimes be a real challenge to healthy lifestyles maintained when not on the road. Don’t give up so easily though! There are actually many ways to remain fit and healthy while traveling, and here are a few tips and tricks to help.
Plan your meals ahead of time. Prepare and portion healthy meals and snacks for the first several days and stock your fridge or cooler. Plan additional meals roughly and create a general shopping list that you can execute while on the road. Be sure to pack containers for leftovers!
Visit local farmers markets. Farmers markets are a fun way to connect with local commerce and culture along your travel route. As an added bonus, much of what you will find includes fresh and local fruits, herbs, vegetables, eggs, cheese, and other pantry staples. Healthy food is easy to find if you know where to look!
Eat less, more often. Having 5-6 smaller healthy meals per day is often the best way to both eat less overall and have consistent energy throughout your day. Being 15 feet away from your fridge at all times means that snacks will be available almost all of the time. Help your future self out by stocking up with healthy food from the start.
Be sure to get outside once you reach your destination. Hiking, biking, kayaking… whatever it is that you do when in The Great Outdoors, plan to really commit to doing it daily when you arrive. Don’t forget the camera for the memories!
Bring your workout with you. Most exercises that can be done in a gym setting can be replicated with minimal travel equipment while on the road. A yoga mat, a set of resistance bands, and a small set of dumbbells is a great start. Where possible, scope out fitness courses, pools, and on-site gyms at campgrounds along your route. Where not possible, use your travel equipment and an online planning resource like Fitness Blender to help plan workouts ahead of your travel plans.