Vacations are a time of relaxation, changes in schedules, and eating! They can also include large meals, bountiful buffets, eating out, and multiple snacks and desserts. Therefore, it’s no surprise that keeping your weight stable can present even more challenges during vacations than throughout the rest of the year.

Here are 5 tips to help you avoid weight gain while on vacation:

1. Fit in Fitness: Add walks, hikes, bike riding, water sports, or the hotel gym into your day. Aim for at least 1 hour per day of activity time.
2. Schedule Meals: Start the day with a healthy meal and stick to a regular eating schedule to avoid extra snacking between meals. Try not to skip meals to avoid excessive hunger later in the day.
3. Reduce Eating Out: Think about renting a place with a kitchen so that you can prepare your own nutritious meals. No refrigerator/kitchen: snack on shelf-stable foods like seeds, popcorn, or single-serving containers of fruit.
4. Indulge in Moderation: Split desserts and plan for when and how much you’ll be drinking alcoholic beverages.
5. Watch Portions: Eat slowly to taste and enjoy the food; drink water in between bites; order a green or orange vegetable with your meal.