Vacation Baggage

The thought of tiny swimsuits and belly-baring at the beach is enough to get anyone motivated to tone up and lose weight before vacation. But what happens when you hit your vacation spot and the lure of late-night dinners and lazy days are all that follow? Consider that combo and when overused, it can derail anyone’s weight loss efforts.

However, not every dieter allows their hard work to be kicked to the curb on vacation. There are several ways to enjoy your vacation while staying healthy and squeezing in the occasional treat. Lets face it people, no one likes to come back from vacation and start from square one. Here are some handy tips:

* Don’t go for travel food. Ignore fast food restaurants along the road and try to scope out a grocery store where you can find healthy eats, like turkey and fruit. If you are strapped for time, then check out a gas station food mart; the selections are often an improvement from Mickey D’s and Twizzlers.

* Do a quick look around. Checking out what other people are eating at an unfamiliar restaurant may help you choose more wisely when ordering. If the servings look large, then suggest splitting it with a friend or pick an appetizer as your meal instead.

* Change the way you think about free time. Use your work-free hours to explore new fitness activities, like dancing, snorkeling or kayaking. You’ll get your metabolism moving and keep your body toned.

*Eat a balanced, healthy breakfast. That way, you start your day off right and if you decide to splurge a little later, it won’t be the end of your weight loss world. Try packing oatmeal packets, so you will never be left without a healthy choice.

We’re curious: What’s your stay-fit vacation strategy? [MSNBC]