Fitness is a huge part of life, being healthy and fit will not only give you more energy it gives you an incredible attitude towards life. I have been on both ends of the scale, growing up I was the “Big boned” kid weighing in, at just under 100kgs (I’m 5 foot6). I finally took charge of my life at 22 and introduced myself to the fitness world. Starting slowly at the gym, losing 40kgs and keeping it off. Losing that baggage changed my life, it gave me the confidence to live and be a stronger person. In saying that the other very crucial part of my life is travel…surprise..surprise. These two things are not often thought of as a good mix, when you’re on holiday you tend to overindulge and then wonder why you have packed on 5kg. Follow these 10 tips to staying fit while travelling and you won’t have to spend weeks when you get home “fixing” the holiday damage.

We are budget travellers as it is, so it doesn’t interest us to eat at restaurants all the time. To save money and keep healthy, head down to the local supermarket and check out the produce. First get yourself the ingredients for a healthy breakfast (Muesli, Yogurt, and fruit) and snacks! Snacks are the key to not overindulging, eating more regularly doesn’t allow your body to go into starvation mode. We eat around 5-7 times a day but smaller portions and healthy foods. For snacks get yourself- Fruit, Natural Pop Corn, or some sort of trail mix. While you are there grab yourself a salad for lunch, or the ingredients to make a sandwich again saving you money and the cm off your waistline.

Protein Bars or cookies are a great snack to have in your day bag, not only are they filled with energy food they will satisfy your hunger, so you can avoid snacking on “guilt foods”. We would recommend bringing them in bulk from home as you aren’t always guaranteed to find them in each country you are going to.

Your body is made up of 60% water, your body needs water to function, and it is extremely important not to dehydrate yourself. The planes altitude, the change in humidity and so many other factors will dehydrate your body so much quicker than at home. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated, keep you away from sugary drinks and it will fill you up in between meals. Be sure to check the drinking water situation in the country you are travelling to, you don’t want to end up with the runs.

Waiting for an elevator, standing like a sardine with 10 other people and you are taking the lazy way out.  Choose the stairs, for your muscles, for your glutes and keep your body moving.

Ensure you pack your comfortable walking shoes, I have two main pairs of shoes on my trips. A pair of Skechers and Adidas as they have multipurpose. As everyday shoes, eg to wear with tights and a jacket and are so comfortable to do long walks in. Obviously, you won’t be able to walk everywhere, but if your destination is only a few blocks away don’t call that Uber. Burn some calories and walk, not only will you feel great for it you will often come across unique sites that you would have driven past. Walk as much as you can, keep your body moving and active. In saying that be smart about it, don’t walk late at night or in an unsafe neighbourhood.

We are not saying you can’t enjoy your trip; I mean in Germany you’re not going to say no to a German Pork Knuckle because you’re afraid of the calories, just do it in moderation. Have the Pork Knuckle or the Italian Pizza but balance it, if you have this for lunch have a salad or something light for dinner, Don’t ever have 2 heavy meals in a row. When ordering at a restaurant be cautious of the sauces and extra trimmings that come with your dish if you can’t help yourself not to eat it once it is there, simply don’t order it. E.g. “I’ll have a steak and vegies” (no potato or chips) see easy it doesn’t even come out on your plate and you’re not tempted. At the end of the day, you are not going to feel good or fulfilled by overindulging in sugary or fatty foods. Find the right balance and eat real food, meat, veggies, protein, fruit and nuts.

Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean it is a free ticket to fill your body with the toxins that are in alcohol, in the same breath you don’t have to miss out either. Again if you are in Germany at Octoberfest of course you are going to have a stein, that is a rite of passage. As we said before everything in moderation, if you have a night outbalance it the next day with healthy meal choices and lots of water. When choosing your poison (alcohol) go for the drinks without the sugary mixers, my go-to drink is Vodka, lime, and soda. Have a drink, next to no calories and hydrate yourself at the same time.

Staying healthy is important but it doesn’t need to consume your trip, sign up for walking tours, ride a bike, take that nature walk and simply consume your foods in moderation. Eating healthy is a lifestyle, not a quick fix, make it a part of your life, follow these tips on how to stay fit while travelling and you won’t have to “fix” it when you get back. Ryderwear dominate my cupboard, they have so many fantastic options of both gym wear and everyday sports clothes. Get yourself a good quality pair of leggings that can be worn both hiking or to the shops. Leggings are lightweight and perfect to mix and match while on holiday. Check out the clearance shop they have some fantastic deals.

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