10 Tips for Smoother Blood Sugars on Vacation
- Nurture Sleep
- Sleep is the “secret sauce of health” and no one wants to be worn out on vacation. Make sure to plan ahead for optimal sleep during your time away from home. Strive to get at least seven hours each night. If you have trouble sleeping when on vacation, consider bringing magnesium glycinate, small doses of melatonin, or sleepy time tea. Quality sleep is crucial for keeping blood sugars smooth and preventing insulin resistance. Just one night of sleep deprivation can lead to insulin resistance.
- Pack Blood Sugar Friendly Snacks
- Nothing beats a snack after a fat at the beach or after a hike in the mountains! Bring along some snacks that won’t cause fluctuations in blood sugar. Some of my favorites include: chomps jerky, freeze dried fruit, nuts (look for nuts that don’t have seed oils in the ingredients), and portable fruits and vegetables.
- Eat Balanced Meals
- You can help smooth out your blood sugars by eating balanced meals. Remember not to eat “naked carbs.” For example, dress an apple with some almond butter. Include fats, fiber, and protein for blood sugar stabilization.
- Hydrate
- Hydration is another important factor for feeling your best. Water helps insulin work more efficiently. Drink half of your body weight in ounces each day and consider drinking LMNT electrolytes for added hydration.
- Activity
- Strive to do some sort of physical activity while on vacation. Work in a scenic walk or bike ride. Try to get in a 10 minute walk after meals. Just two days without physical activity increases insulin resistance!
- Eat with the Sun
- Aim to fast for 12 hours overnight. Eat to not eat your meals from sundown to sun up. Not only is blood sugar more stable with an overnight fast, but also your hormones, digestion, and metabolism will benefit.
- Manage Stress
- Vacation can be stressful! Stress leads to the creation of cortisol within our bodies, which leads to insulin resistance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking some time to meditate. There are several apps available. Yoga is another option. A few poses to practice during vacation are the “legs up the wall” and “child’s pose.” This poses help release tension and lead to better blood sugar control.
- Nurture your Digestion
- Gut health is important even on vacation. Avoid foods that are triggering for your digestive tract. Gut health is essential for blood sugar control. Probiospore is a spore-based probiotic that can help improve digestion, detoxification, and food absorption. It would be a great supplement to throw in your bag. Magnesium glycinate can also be used to aid constipation, bloating, and digestion.
- Make Clean Choices when Eating Out
- When eating out, consider asking for substitutions. You want to eat more whole, real food instead of processed meals. Consider swapping fries with the vegetable of the day or a baked potato.
- Give yourself Grace
- While it’s great to get away from home, there are destined to be a few hiccups along the way. It’s okay to enjoy that glass of wine and to enjoy your time on vacation. Be aware of what you’re eating, but find enjoyment in the foods you love most!
