Traveling across the country with a used motorhome is a fun, exciting way to see new things, spend time in unexplored places, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Vacationing in an RV lets you save money on lodging and see the sights anywhere from thriving cities to the most remote places. It’s an exciting way to connect to the outdoors or catch up on big-city attractions without paying for big-city hotels.
An RV also makes it easier to take your healthy habits with you on the road. Many features in modern RVs help eliminate the usual unhealthy parts of being away from home. It may be more convenient to eat out and skip exercising while you’re out of town, but with your RV, you don’t have to sacrifice the convenience in order to stick to your routine. Follow these health tips while traveling to stay on track and make the most of your trip.
How Road Trips Can Derail Your Healthy Lifestyle
The RV lifestyle does have some pitfalls that can take you off track when it comes to healthy eating and exercise. At home, you can go to the gym regularly and plan healthy meals. Road trips often involve grabbing food on the go and long periods of physical inactivity while driving.
On the interstate, there aren’t many healthy options for food. Most restaurants along your route are made to be quick and easy to get you back on the road, which usually means lots of fast food. Gas stations and rest stops can also throw a wrench in your healthy diet. Hitting up a vending machine or grabbing some snacks at the gas station is an easy way to load up on preservatives, sugar, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Why You Should Stick With Your Routine
You may figure that deviating from your normal routine while you’re on vacation is harmless. However, sticking with your good habits gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, and can even make your vacation more enjoyable. It can help you power through that last part of your kayaking trip or opt for the longer hike. It can also help you relax, which is the whole point of your RV trip.
Health Tips When Traveling
1. Make a Plan
Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself healthy while you’re on the road. Part of your plan should involve meal prepping. Your used motorhome likely has a stove top and other kitchen features that allow you to cook just like you would at home. If you plan on going fishing and using your catch to make dinner, find some healthy recipes that pair well with the fish you plan on catching. Make a back-up plan in case you don’t come home with a huge catch.
Along with your meals, plan some time during the drive to and from your destination to walk around. Use pit stops to get out of the RV and stretch or take a brief walk around the rest area. Sitting for long periods of time isn’t healthy, so use gas stops to your advantage.
2. Stock Up
In order to avoid the temptation of vending machines and sugary gas station options, keep plenty of healthy snacks in the RV. Keeping fruit, Greek yogurt, protein bars, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, veggies, and other snacks on hand will keep you from walking into a gas station when you’re hungry. Regularly snacking throughout your road trip also maintains your blood sugar level, which helps you focus on the drive.
3. Avoid the Fast Food Traps
Fast food is convenient, and it’s widely available near the interstate. Grabbing fast food on the way to your vacation spot is tempting, particularly if you’re leaving early in the morning. But if you’ve planned ahead, you will be able to eat a healthy lunch while you’re on the road. Instead of hitting up the closest fast food chain, find a spot on the way to your destination to set up a picnic. You get to enjoy some fresh air and a break from driving without derailing your healthy habits.
4. Exercise Regularly
Studies have shown that regularly exercising outdoors helps to boost your mood and reduce stress. You’ve probably built some outdoor activities into your itinerary, such as hiking, water sports, or snowshoeing. Schedule at least one healthy outdoor activity every day. It can be as simple as a morning yoga routine or a walk through the area near your campsite.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help improve your mood, your concentration, and your sleep patterns. Bring plenty of water with you on your trip and drink it regularly. You might have to make a couple of pit stops along the way, but you’ll feel refreshed and energized when you reach your destination.
6. Stick With Your Routine
Try to stick to your diet and exercise routine on your trip. If you usually do high intensity cardio three times a week, plan it into the day. Go for a run or a swim, or any other vigorous activity that gets your heart rate up. If you usually do weight training, consider bringing free weights with you so you can pump some iron while you’re in your RV. Following your meal plan will help you stay on track.
Vacationing in a used motorhome makes for fun adventures. Taking your healthy habits with you on the road can make your vacation more fun. It will help reduce your stress, regulate your sleep, and give you more energy to tackle all of the activities you’ve planned. By planning in advance, you can avoid all of the traps that derail your routine and enjoy your trip without sacrificing your healthy habits.
