Are you ready to travel but scared about gaining an extra 10 or more pounds? If you hit the road for a long term stretch you will be prone to gaining weight. Be realistic; most people are on the lazy side during their travels, relating any road trip, even business-related, with going out to eat, ordering rich foods and taking a taxi or public transportation to all locations. You must resist the urge to take shortcuts and show some real discipline as you travel for any purpose. Decide that your health and fitness levels supersede anything else in your life and continue to hold to that intent no matter where you are traveling. If you can make remaining fit a habit in your mind you will stop making low energy choices and begin making high energy, fitness-promoting choices.

Resist the Temptation to Follow the Herd

I have traveled the world over for years and note a trend which most travelers buy into, especially if they are traveling in groups. This trend consists of walking nowhere, taking some form of transport to pamper themselves when traveling for business or pleasure. Unfortunately these lazy tendencies snowball into a total lack of exercise over a period of days, weeks and months. Instead of burning calories you spend hours each day in a sedentary, unhealthy state, totally missing an opportunity to keep your heart and body fit. Stop taking the easy way out and begin taking the time to exercise. Do not follow the herd, be active, be fit and remain healthy during your travels.

Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes Each Day

Exercising persistently helps you burn extra calories and increases your cardiovascular health. Skip the taxi ride and take a nice long walk instead to keep your waist trim. Many travelers never walk for more than 5 or 10 minutes daily, copping out on exercise in the same of enjoying themselves. Well keep this habit up and you will be fat, unhealthy, and of course, you cannot enjoy yourself when you are sick.

Hit the stairs, walk whenever you can and consider joining a local gym, paying daily, weekly or monthly rates depending on how long you choose to stay in any one location.

Eat Healthy Foods and Resist the Urge to Binge

Binge eating is a problem for many travelers who feel compelled to sample as much food as possible during trips to new locations. Yes, you might feel it is impossible to resist sampling large and varied portions of local fare but if you travel for more than a few days this tendency can add inches to your waistline in no time. Forget about binging on exotic foods and remember to keep your diet healthy and balanced. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and whole wheat bread to remain satiated and keep your energy levels high.

Eating healthy, nutritious foods keeps your weight down and helps you feel better about yourself, an absolute must if you plan to live a healthy, fit lifestyle. Take the time to shop for fresh fruits which you can stock in your hotel or apartment fridge and make healthy choices when visiting restaurants or food stalls as many cultures offer high energy, nutritious choices. Just use common sense and resist the urge to chow down on fatty or sugary foods on a daily basis and you will be able to keep trim and fit as you travel. A little bit of discipline now goes a long way in the future.

Use these tips to stay fit and trim while traveling today.

Kelli Cooper is a writer who has a passion for travel and enjoys sharing tips on how to plan a great trip; if you are traveling through the Badger state, check out the quality accommodations at  Mainstay Suites in Oak Creek Wisconsin.

Photo Credit