Balancing Vacation and Exercise, Holiday Version

If you don't spend some quality time stuffing your face in the next few weeks you're doing something wrong. The Holidays are about enjoying things - food, candy, pastries, etc. Ok, maybe some other favorites like family, friends, traditions. One thing is almost certain - you'll be away from home or with your family/friends.

One thing that makes all the face-stuffing easier is if you can keep some kind of workout routine going. It's likely that you have seen many articles about how to "keep active while on vacation." In similar fashion, here are my five favorite tips for staying active (while enjoying your trip) during the holidays/away from home:

1) Find things you can do with your family and friends. Walks, basketball with a brother, bike rides, surfing. Just do something active that allows you to combine being with people and getting some exercise. In my family, we're gym rats so we go at the same time/together. Whatever works for you.

2) Calisthenics. Push-ups, sit-ups, pull ups (if you have a bar handy), dips and other bodyweight exercises are super easy to do and require zero equipment. Also, you can get them done pretty quickly and get on with things.

3) If you're going to pack equipment, keep it light and SIMPLE. Think jump rope, yoga mat, exercise bands. My favorite piece of "equipment" to pack on vacation? Running shoes. Done and done. Nature's gymnasium awaits.

4) Eat high fiber foods for breakfast and lunch (before big meals). Fiber makes you feel full, has a million health benefits, and also bonds with fats the body would otherwise store to help get them out of your system. High fiber food throughout the day will help you avoid ridiculous amounts of carbs in the evening. Notice I said ridiculous amounts. Please don't skip a roll or a piece of pie. Skip 5 rolls or 4 pieces of pie.

5) Live your life! Relax! If your nephew is around and you don't normally see him, don't go for a run ... Play peek-a-boo! If your grandparents are in town for the weekend, skip the gym and look through a photo book. Life's too short to miss those opportunities. Just take the time that you would normally have to yourself and make the best of it!

Any tips you care to share? Things that have worked for you in the past?

Happy Holidays! Be fit and well and I hope to see everyone soon.