Part of a great vacation is exploring the local cuisine. Depending on where you’re staying, you might find yourself without a private kitchen. This can lead to snacking on unhealthy or drive-thru foods in between meals. However, eating a balanced diet is important to your health. There are many strategies that can help ensure you’re getting the proper nutrients. Use the following guide to make a plan before you begin your vacation.

How to Eat Well While Vacationing

1. Pack Your Own Healthy Snacks

Visit the local grocery store so you can keep prepackaged snacks in your hotel room. Use the “five a day” guideline. This refers to snacks that can offer you the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables.

Place carrot sticks and ranch cups, sliced apples, peanut butter and celery, or blueberries in zip-close baggies. These are easy to toss in your purse or backpack and will keep you full between meals. Snacking healthily also means you can splurge a little during meals since you’ve been enjoying low-calorie fruits and vegetables all day.

2. Eat the Right Breakfast

The right breakfast foods will leave you feeling full and energized. Greek yogurt with berries and crushed pecans is a nutrient-packed meal. Foods with protein, like eggs, oatmeal, and cottage cheese, rank highest on the satiety index that measures the effect of feeling full. Look for fiber-rich fruits, nuts, and veggies, and consider adding spinach to an egg-white omelet or pecans to a bowl of oatmeal in the morning.

3. Splurge Once a Day

Don’t miss the opportunity to try local favorites. Splurging on one meal each day won’t lead to drastic weight gain. Enjoy a decadent dessert after a healthy dinner, a famous BBQ plate, or other local must-try treats since you may never get to try them again. 

Eating and snacking healthily for the rest of the day will balance out your diet. Try to walk throughout the day, as well. This will burn calories to supplement larger meals. It’s also a great way to find local hotspots and learn about the area.

If you’re organizing a vacation to West Virginia, book a cabin at Jerico  Pre-Civil War Log Cabins in Marlinton. Their beautiful  hand hewn log cabins were originally built in the 1800s and make for an unforgettable lodging experience. Enjoy private hot tub ,  heart shaped Jacuzzi, fireplaces, and more.  Sight See  many  of the local tourist attractions. Check for availability online, or call 1-(888) 499-6241 or (304) 799-6241 to learn more about cabin rentals. Receive news and updates by connecting on Facebook.