How can I eat healthy on vacation?

Most meals are going to be out to eat when on vacation so here are some tips to guide you to healthier choices:

• Don't skip breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If your hotel offers a free continental breakfast avoid the sugary, carb laden pastries and bagels. Start your day with a well balanced meal. Choose some oatmeal to get your whole grains, eggs for protein and some fresh fruit for some good vitamins and minerals.
• Eat out, don't pig out: When out to eat at a restaurant scan the menu first. Avoid the foods that are fried or have a "special" sauce or cream sauce. Instead choose foods that are grilled broiled, steamed or baked. Most importantly at the restaurants watch your portions. Consider choosing an appetizer as your meal or a kid's portion or consume 1/2 of your entree. Don't feel compelled to finish all the food in front of you, listen to your body and stop when you are full! Since you are on vacation it is always a good idea to enjoy the foods the area is known for, such as grilled fishes from the sea or fruit desserts in tropical destinations.
• Indulge responsibly: It is vacation, enjoy yourself. If you are in a place that is famous for a certain food/dessert, enjoy it -- once, not everyday. It is all about moderation.

Here are some tips for eating healthy while on vacation:

1. Don’t skip meals. Watch your portion sizes.

2. Refuse the minibar key.

3. Ask the concierge at your hotel if he or she can recommend restaurants that serve relatively healthy fare.

4. Try to limit yourself to two low-calorie alcoholic drinks per day.

5. If you’re flying, pack healthy transportable snack foods like nuts and granola-type bars to eat on the plane and to have when you get to your destination.

6. If you’re traveling by car, pack a cooler with healthy snacks such as yogurt, fruit, and string cheese.

7. If your hotel room has a kitchenette with a fridge, find a supermarket and purchase healthy snack foods and easy to-fix breakfast items.