23RD JULY 2024
Enjoying Your Summer Holiday While Maintaining Your Weight: Tips from Personal Trainer Hannah Armitage
With summer holidays approaching, many of us face the age-old question: can we enjoy ourselves and maintain our weight while we’re away? We sat down with Hannah Armitage, one of our personal trainers in York, to get her expert advice.
How can you maintain your weight while on holiday?
Hannah:
There are two options: you can either go all out and enjoy yourself, then get back on track when you return, or you can try to stick to a routine while you’re away.
Can you break down both approaches for us?
The ‘Go All Out Approach’
If you decide to indulge, remember that life isn’t always about sacrifice. Enjoy yourself, but be prepared to work off any extra weight you gain once you're back. When you return, you can consider intermittent fasting alongside your regular routine. This involves cutting down on calories by having your first meal later in the day, around lunchtime, and then a later meal to keep you going.
If you plan to exercise, make sure to fuel your workouts appropriately with a low-calorie snack if needed. Also, focus on making healthy food choices to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
It’s important to remember that your body will need time to lose the extra weight. Be consistent and disciplined, as long-term success is better than short bursts of enthusiasm. If it takes months to lose the weight, that’s okay. Don’t push yourself too hard to get back to your previous weight quickly.
The ‘Being Good Approach’
The second approach is to be mindful while you’re away, making it easier to stay on track when you return. Research your destination in advance to find a gym or running routes. If a gym isn’t an option, plan excursions that involve physical activity, like walking around the city or hiking. These are fantastic ways to burn calories as well as explore the area.
When it comes to food and drink, preparation is key. Research restaurants with healthy options and stock up on low-calorie snacks to avoid unhealthy temptations after a night out. If you’re drinking alcohol, opt for lower-calorie options like Vodka Lime & Soda (55 calories) instead of higher-calorie drinks like beer (200 calories per pint).
No matter which approach you choose, Hannah suggests that it’s worth enjoying yourself. She went on to say that staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water to support your overall well-being.
