TRAVELING and staying healthy? Sounds like an oxymoron. After all, most trips are a handy excuse to whip out that all-purpose line: ?But I?m on vacation!? to indulge in some fat-filled, high calorie food and zero exercise.
It?s when you?re back home that you realize that travel is indeed a broadening experience. Your clothes fit more snugly and you get a little more breathless climbing the stairs. This happens every single time you travel. And still you wonder about that extra 20 pounds from last year.
Fortunately, there are ways to hurdle this hazard. And who should know better than actual travelers that we?ve surveyed, who do manage to stay fit even while globe-trotting.
Much of it is common sense laced with a generous serving of discipline. Here?s a list of what fit frequent travelers recommend.
1. Take along an empty bottle for water. Airport security people have decided that a 500-ml plastic bottle of water is a dangerous item that shouldn?t to be allowed on board. Why not empty that bottle before boarding and once onboard, ask the flight attendant to refill it with water. Drink about 120-150 ml (half a cup) of water every hour to prevent dehydration.
2. Bring your own food. What?s not to love about plane food? All those little trays, food delicately portioned and placed just so. It must have come straight from the heart. Phooey! You?ll do a better job bringing a healthier meal that you really like. Bring a few servings of nuts, raisins and dried fruit (or something high in fiber) in ziplock bags together with your turkey sandwich. At least you?re not eating preservative-filled food or food that?s been re-heated to death.
3. Sit properly. Are all plane seat designers shaped like Quasimodo? Seems so, because they design seats that make your lower back curve out, forcing you to hunch forward slightly at the neck so that your back aches after just an hour. Don?t be lazy and just sit up straight, ok? Plant your hips squarely in the chair, arc your lower back (place the pillow or blanket there), chest up and shoulders on the seat. You?ll feel like a dork but at least you?ll be happier when you get off the plane.
4. Stretch. Granted, doing a downward dog in the middle of the aisle may not be possible. Still, there are stretches you can do, even just in your seat. Stretch your neck and arms, do the best you can with your legs, arc your back and puff your chest out. Get blood circulating in your muscles to prevent getting as stiff as the accountant beside you.
5. Pre-plan. ?No really? I eat anything. Mexican? ooh? I?m not really into that.? If you?re one of those people who have a lot of unique requirements, plan ahead and save your travelmates some pain and inconvenience. Get online about the place you?re visiting and find out what food alternatives they offer. Bring your meds --for motion sickness, high blood pressure, vitamins -- as they may not be available where you?re going. Also, beach wear for Europe in December? Not a good idea.
6. Acclimatize to the local time. Jet lag is a common complaint when long distance travel is concerned (so is seeing ugly people, by the way). You didn?t sleep well on the plane and the urge to hit the sack is really strong. Don?t give in, Luke! Use the force. Stay as active as possible until it?s time to sleep. Sightsee, get familiar with the new neighborhood you?re in or get friendly with the concierge. This way, you?ll sleep at the right time and adjust your internal body clock right away.
7. Exercise. ?I?m on vacation? is a line invented by lazy people. The nice thing about being on vacation is that you can choose what to do! Throw logs in Scotland, run off from lions in Africa, sign up for a tango lesson in Argentina, capoeira in Brazil, archery in Bhutan or kendo in Japan. You?re in a new place. Do as the Romans do!
8. Go bi-pedal sightseeing. Better still, plan a sightseeing itinerary that involves a whole lot of walking. Vienna, Paris and Binondo/Quiapo are all great places to walk around in and get a good cardio workout at the same time.
9. Mind what you eat. You?re in a new city for work and you have no control over where you eat with your clients/colleagues. But you can control what you order. Grilled, roasted, broiled or steamed foods are a better choice than fried, sauted or sauce-laden dishes. Even go for a bit of wine or scotch on the side (at least, that?s what the Japanese centenarians always say is their secret to long life).
10. Try the local fare. I really don?t understand people who are in a new country and still eat at McDonald?s. Half the fun of traveling is trying out all those different foods. If the delicacy is fried, don?t over-indulge though. Grilled, roasted, broiled or steamed is still the way to go. I totally believe that having fun is a great way to keep healthy. But even if they steam the scorpion in Bangkok instead of frying it, I?ll still pass.
11. Get to know the culture. In small doses, I like museums, especially those that display art. It feeds my soul. I get a glimpse into the ancestry of my host country and helps me understand a bit better why the locals are the way they are. It?s a neat way of covering the ?mind? part of mind-body-spirit health. Besides, I met a girl at the museum the last time I went.
12. Visit a new church, temple, or mosque. This is the ?spirit? part ? and you get 3 wishes to boot! ?
The author is an instructor at Bikram Yoga Manila (www.bikramyogamanila.com).
