To get the most out of your vacation, it is a good idea to get the body slim, trim and fit -- but forget about any sort of pre-holiday crash diet. A New York-based fitness and health expert says this approach is only likely to leave you feeling weak and miserable even before you get on the plane or train.
Instead, says Martica Heaner, author of "Eat More, Weigh Less" (Hodder and Stoughton, $8), "make a point of switching to a healthy, nutrient-packed eating plan that will help you to slim down and boost your energy levels at the same time." And that means consuming easy-to-digest, nutritious foods.
In the weeks leading up to departure, Heaner advises, cut down or even eliminate your intake of refined sugar, the caffeinated likes of coffee, tea and soft drinks, alcohol and high-fat foods. Instead, "munch on raw fruit and vegetables whenever possible."
Also, she says, "try to cut back on the salt you add to your food during and after cooking, and rather than boiling, try steaming, grilling or microwaving." She insists this "will help retain more vital nutrients in your food."
