Combat Culinary Temptation While on Vacation

As we place the towels on our lounge chairs that surround a tropical waterfall paradise of a lavish resort, a server passes by with a tray of exotic frozen drinks; the ones with the little umbrellas that are so inviting and full of temptation.
After a few deep breaths of telling ourselves that they are nothing but sugar and calories, we dig into our bags and take out bottled water.
It is so refreshing and much more guiltless.
Just then the kids run up to you yelling "mommy mommy check out the mountain of nachos they are eating over there! Can we have some?" Gulp another swig of water and look away! Only one more week of doing this! Simply put, vacation culinary temptations are seemingly overwhelming.
The average person tends to gain 8lbs on a vacation; sometimes more on cruises with their all inclusive meals and endless buffets.
The proximity and the proportions are too inviting to keep passing up.
So how do we battle the bulge when on vacation? Some of these simple tips may help us with the gain- lose gain- lose routine we consistently put ourselves in:

• Take healthy snacks with you.
  As tempting as the lure may be for the scrumptious lobster bites, you can angle that craving just by eating an apple or some wholesome crackers..
  
• Drink drink and drink a lot of water.
  On vacation, we enjoy having an alcoholic beverage, but keep it that to the minimum.
  Spend your day drinking water, and then at night have some wine.
  Bacardi and Diet Coke is not that damaging, and one of my favorites is Kettle one with club soda and squeezed orange slices.
  You have a tropical flavor without the heavy fat and calories in a frozen drink like a Pina Colada.
  
• Don't wait until you are starving in order to eat.
  Be smart and order smart.
  Choose entrees that are broiled, steamed, braised or roasted.
  Be conscious of what you are eating and DO NOT over eat until you can't move.
  
• Be active during the day and try to fit in actual exercise, even if it is swimming in the pool, a game of tennis and hike.
  You get the idea.
  

What makes it easier on me is the change in my vacation plans.
I do not stay in a hotel, I rent a vacation home.
At first I thought it would be pricey but the money I saved by cooking at my vacation home saved me bundles.
We still dined out, but a fraction of the time.
Because I was cooking my own meals for my family, we ate better, ate less and I personally did not gain any weight.
The Internet gives you many choices and it is now easier than ever to find vacation rentals within your particular destination.
I personally use How2Vacation.
com.
They have a wide variety of vacation rentals and they also offer all inclusive vacation packages and many hot deals.
So I always have a choice if I decide to go a different route.