Being mobile has its challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight or losing some extra pounds, but there are ways to manage it all – and thrive.
As we gear up to bring in the New Year, many take into consideration what the old tradition of creating a New Year’s Resolution. And if you’re like most people, one of your goals will likely be to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether it’s making healthier choices at the dinner table or stepping up your daily exercise regimen, you can meet and maintain your New Year’s goals, without giving up your RV lifestyle.
Although it can be difficult to make healthy choices while traveling, it is definitely doable. So here are a few tips and tricks to guide you on your way to living your healthiest year yet.
Hit the Gym
Being a road warrior can make it difficult to commit to a gym membership, especially if you are only spending a limited number of days in your hometown. However, there are numerous gym franchises that have locations around the nation that allow memberships to transfer from state to state. For instance, if you’re a Black Card member at Planet Fitness, you’ll have reciprocal use of any of their 1,000-plus locations.
If you would rather not deal with the hassle of driving your RV or detaching your towable every time you want to get a lift in, many private RV resorts throughout Michigan offer complimentary use of their onsite gym facilities. Most provide the same machines and weight racks you’d find at a public gym – be sure to do your research before making your reservation!
Avoid the Drive-thru
After sitting behind the wheel for hours at a time, it can be very tempting to opt for fast food rather than making something from scratch. Although few can deny that fast food fries are delicious, they can also ruin an entire week’s worth of effort.
If you know you’ve got a long travel day ahead of you, try to prepare something in advance. Grilled chicken and steamed vegetables are easily reheated and a far better option. However, many fast food joints are on board with healthy eating and offer select menu items that don’t pack the calories. If you must stop somewhere, use your willpower to choose something on the healthy side of the menu – and skip the large soda.
Pick up an Active Hobby
Swimming, biking, hiking, and dancing are all great ways to burn calories that are (for most people) far more fun that running on a treadmill. Find an activity the whole family will enjoy and make it a daily routine. If you and your significant other have been longing to learn the tango or you’ve dreamt of conquering one of Michigan’s steepest peaks, this is your year to make it happen. Again, research resorts and the routes to them to find the perfect place to hone your new hobby.
Limit Snacking
Sometimes the road can get monotonous and snacking helps to pass the time, but it’s also an easy way to consume hundreds of calories without noticing. Much like downing an entire bag of chips in front of the TV with no real effort, eating while driving can be the pitfall in your resolution. If you do get hungry for a snack, have premade, measured baggies of fruits, vegetables, or nuts on hand. Not only will these options provide the fuel your body needs to stay alert behind the wheel, but they’ll also limit the amount your food intake.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep – due to stress from construction delays or multiple missed exits or the excitement for the adventure-packed day ahead of you – can interfere with your health goals. When your sleep cycle is impaired, your metabolism slows and your likelihood for poor dieting choices skyrockets. We’re all guilty of consuming sugary snacks or caffeinated beverages for a quick pick-me-up, but these dietary decisions will do more harm than good to your waistline.
Don’t be bashful to leave the bonfire before your campground neighbors. And definitely don’t push yourself to pull an all-nighter behind the wheel after being up all day. The RV lifestyle is one of relaxation, so get your adequate sleep every night to get the most out of every day!
Be Accountable
It’s well-known that having somebody else along for workouts, activities, and your overall health plan increases the success of actually sticking to it. This could be your spouse, your children, even your long-time neighbor. You can also download an app to keep track of your progress and choices, set goals, and offer encouragement and motivation at important moments.
Do you have any handy tips for weight loss while RVing? Post your healthy habits to our Facebook page! Happy New Year!