The Easiest Way to Not Gain Weight on Vacation

POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

If you're shaping up for a warm-weather vacation, don't undo all your hard work once you get there with an overindulgent week. The next time you take a break, use these tips from Barry's Bootcamp instructor Courtney Paul, who knows a thing or two about staying fit on vacation — he's hosting a fitness retreat at the West Bay Club in Turks and Caicos in May. Even if you're not willing to commit to a full-on fitness routine during your holidays, here's how Courtney says you can enjoy your vacation while beating weight gain and feeling your best, no matter how much resting and relaxing you do.

  1. Stick to lean protein and vegetables: No matter where you travel, you're bound to find fresh and healthy high-protein, high-fiber options to fill your plate. "Try to avoid sugar, processed foods, and simple carbs," Courtney says.
  2. Fit in a short workout: Start your day with 15-30 minutes of circuit training, Courtney recommends. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and you'll feel better the rest of the day. You don't even need to know what to do — do a quick YouTube search or check out all of our 10-minute Class FitSugar workout videos to put together the perfect vacation workout for you. The important point is to make sure you stick to a muscle-building routine even when you're taking a much-needed break from your regular schedule. "Strength training is key for maintaining lean muscle mass," Courtney says (which translates to more calories burned while you're lying on the beach!).
  3. Sip smart: If you're trying to save empty calories during a night out, try Courtney's low-calorie recipe: "Vodka or tequila with seltzer and a splash of fruit juice are best," he says.