How to cut calories on vacation

Ok, trust me, I get it, you're on vacation, you are SUPPOSED to splurge on the rum drinks, Americanized portions, happy hours, and edible garnishes. But, do you really want to take those extra pounds back home with you? Nothing says "Honey, I'm home" like a difficult to button pair of jeans. On average, both men and women gain up to five pounds while on vacation. While I fully endorse the tendencies of letting go, treating yourself and "work hard, play hard" there are many simple ways to cut corners and hundreds of calories to avoid that unwanted weight gain. Some may be fairly obvious, but overlooked through justification.

1. Take the stairs: I discovered this one on accident, due to my elevator phobia. Let's be clear, I am not saying truck up fourteen flights of steps if you're staying in a high rise hotel. But, if you are on the 4th or 5th floor you don't have much excuse. If you think about how many trips you take to and from the pool alone, you can put in perspective the amount of calories burned vs the elevator. 

2. Say goodbye to the automobile life: Walk! Bike! Most vacation resorts try to make bars, restaurants, groceries stores, etc in close distance to attract more vacationers. Forget you rented that old Grandpa car and get some fresh air. Walk the beach, bike to the store. And hey.. you'll be helping the environment too.

3. Say no to the appetizers: The fried coconut shrimp, artichoke dips, quesadillas all look, sound, and taste delicious... but are essentially a waste of up to 500/600 calories. Choose one or the other. If you'd rather get two appetizers over an entree, live it up, but don't pack on an appetizer to an already oversized entree. Your waistline doesn't need it.

4. Always say yes to the veggies: Restaurants like to make you think you are are getting more than you pay for, which is a double edged sword because it usually results in an extra significant amount of calories. Plate portions are out of control, and usually provide the surprise side dish you didn't know about. Oh, I get a chive and sour creamed covered potato too? Sure, if it's free. The potato may sound appetizing but remember, it's not why you ordered your entree. Instead, stick to the veggie. If you feel compelled to eat more, at least you're scraping the plate of nutrients and not added fats.

Finally, last but not least, don't be afraid to order substitutions. If you go for the pina colada, ask if they have slimmer options. Most bartenders and wait staff understand.. and if they don't, well screw them in a week you'll never see them again. Remember what is important. There is a fine line between "work hard, play hard" and just overindulgence. You worked hard to look good in that bikini for vacation, embrace it.