Danger! Excess baggage

You come back from holiday and you can't wait to clear out your suitcase, but as soon as you do, you realise a few extra kilos of clothing is not all you've been packing…

A couple of extra inches here, a few bulges there, and suddenly those trendy clothes you bought are a little more fitted than intended.

What is it about going on holiday that makes us forget about our regular sensible meals at home?

Vijila Aneesh, production dietician for Healthyway in Dubai, said people tend to eat more on holiday because they have so much free time. The company offers nutritional advice and tailormade menus for customers wishing to lose weight, who have medical conditions or who suffer from food allergies.
So the next time you go on holiday, step away from the overpriced in-room fridge, put down the munchies and pick up a healthy snack bar instead. If you are travelling with the kids, you'll be setting a good example.

Here are a few ideas to help you stay trim and healthy while on a break.

• Take advantage of your holiday time by getting as active as possible. Instead of lounging by the beach all day, take lessons in water sports or rent a bike as a way of discovering your surroundings. You can always take the stairs instead of the escalators as well.
   
• When having breakfast, avoid fatty foods and excess sugar, have healthy cereal with low-fat milk or a toasted bagel with labneh and veggies.
  “A granola bar with a glass of milk is another healthy start to the day,'' advised Aneesh.
   
• Pack some sandwiches if you are going to be out all day, with low fat ingredients in order to avoid ‘accidentally' walking into a fast food outlet. Packing your own food will also save you plenty of money.
   
• Dancing is a really good way to stay in shape, so ‘get down' as often as possible when exploring the local culture. “Any activities like dancing will help increase your metabolism rate and breaks down extra fat,'' explained Aneesh.
   
• Vacationers often snack on junk or fatty foods and snacks so to ensure you feel energised and refreshed, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and eat solid healthy meals to keep you full.
   
• When at restaurants, try not to order deep fried dishes and oily food, instead opt for salads, soups and baked meals.
   
• It is advisable to do some research on restaurants nearby your hotel incase you have food allergies so you know which ones you can eat at.
   
• If you are going on a road trip, instead of reaching out for the greasiest bag of crisps, go for the baked kind. However, everything in moderation! Take fresh fruits and cut vegetables and nuts.
   
• It is more difficult to digest food when you do not follow your regular daily routine so try to eat food that is easiest to digest. Vegetables, soups and salads usually offer good amounts of fibre and protein to keep you energised.
   
• The good news is, because you are probably walking around much more than usual, it means you are burning more calories so it's ok to indulge a little bit – just keep it to once a day!

For more information on Healthyway, call 04 3234414