Plan a Healthy Weekend Getaway: 5 Tips and Where to Go
For most of us, eating healthy during the workweek is a lot easier than on the weekends. After all, if you’ve meal prepped and planned out your snacks ahead of time, all you need to do is grab-and-go or slip those healthy meals into breaks at work or school.
But when the weekend rolls around, temptations lurk behind every corner, beckoning you to go out for drinks, eat fatty foods (perhaps while nursing the hangover from said drinks) and generally lose sight of your health goals. Add going for a weekend trip to the mix, and things can get even more difficult.
Tips for a healthy weekend trip
When it comes to staying healthy while vacationing, the struggle is real – but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. We have a couple healthy weekend tricks up our sleeves to keep you from destroying your goals.
Arm yourself with snacks. If you go on your trip with plenty of healthy treats in tow, you’ll be less likely to reach for junk food. Bring a variety of snacks that are easy to transport around with you like fruit and nuts (in moderation).
Stay somewhere that has a kitchen, like an Airbnb. With space to store fresh produce and prepare your meals, you can quickly whip up healthy dishes and snacks to bring along with you on your outings. You’ll probably end up saving money, too.
Keep working out. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to give up exercising. Squeeze in a quick 8fit workout or two by clearing some space in your hotel room, Airbnb, or even better, out in the sunshine. You’ll get an endorphin boost and enjoy vacation even more.
Walk or run your way around the city. Embrace what a town or city has to offer by exploring it on foot and you’re sure to stumble onto something interesting. Better yet, go for an evening or early morning walk, jog or run to see the sights without the crowds.
Dine out at restaurants with healthy options. Nowadays, it’s easy to find places that serve nutritious dishes. Use Google Maps, Yelp or another app to search for keywords like “smoothies,” “vegetarian,” “vegan,” or “healthy,” and you’re sure to find wholesome options. As always, look at the menu beforehand (finding them online is easy) and decide what you’ll eat so you’re not tempted by unhealthy options.
Healthiest cities for a wellness weekend getaway
Now that you know how to have a healthy weekend getaway, it’s time to start planning your next trip. Below, we share the latest list of healthiest cities in the U.S. Several factors go into deciding what makes a city healthy or unhealthy, like access to green space, the number of restaurants serving healthy food, and the number of recreational facilities.
Take a look at WalletHub’s take below to see if your next destination makes the cut.
Top 5 cities for fitness
These cities are packed with opportunities get your sweat on! If staying active is important to you, you’re going to love these stateside destinations.
1. Scottsdale, AZ
Hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak for a gorgeous view over the Sonoran desert. A walk here is good for body and soul.
2. Seattle, WA
Just an hour and a half from the city proper, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those who like to feel the burn. It may just be one of the most stunning places you’ve ever worked out.
3. Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta BeltLine is not only an excellent place to ride bikes, rollerblade, walk and run, but it’s also an ideal way to see the city. A former railway that once passed through the heart of Atlanta, it’s now a trail that’s a favorite place among locals and visitors alike.
4. Denver, CO
If you’re up for an unforgettable experience, buy a ticket for Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. Taking place at sunrise, you’ll practice this ancient discipline alongside 2,000 other yoga-lovers in one of the country’s most stunning locations.
5. San Diego, CA
Take a glimpse of rare foliage and wildlife at Torrey Pines, a seaside park with fantastic ocean views. Hike around the state park before heading down to the beach for a run – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Top 5 cities for healthy food
Now it’s time to talk about cities with an abundance of healthy foods, whether that’s in the form of restaurants, supermarkets or farmer’s markets. If you love to eat, you can’t go wrong with these five U.S. cities.
1. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has it all, including healthy Californian dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
2. New York, NY
There’s plenty more to eat in the Big Apple than, well, apples and New York style pizza. This city is full of healthy cuisines from across the globe, and it’s always on the cutting edge when it comes to innovative dishes.
3. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu is revered not only for its beauty but also for its fabulous food. The poke bowls here are on another level. Packed with color and bursting with fresh flavor, they’re also brimming with nutrition.
4. Portland, OR
Portland is one of North America’s most vegan-friendly cities, and it also happens to be one of the healthiest. You’ll love discovering the restaurants in Oregon’s largest city, vegan or not.
5. Los Angeles, CA
It’s not surprising that sunny LA made it onto this list. Expect restaurants with fresh, colorful food inspired by the city’s many international inhabitants.
Top 5 cities overall
Drumroll, please! These five cities take the cake when it comes to healthy living. If you’re planning a fantastic healthy weekend getaway, you can’t go wrong in these destinations.
1. San Francisco, CA
If any city deserves to be named the healthiest, it’s got to be San Francisco. With ample green space, a temperate climate for outdoor sports, and restaurants that are leading the charge for nutritious dining, this city has it all.
2. Seattle, WA
There’s more than coffee to discover in this bustling city. Seattle happens to have one of the most vibrant food scenes in the nation, and with the Cascades right in its backyard, it’s a magnet for hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
3. Portland, OR
Not only does Portland have an impressive culinary scene, but it’s also packed with possibilities for running, walking and cycling. It’s consistently ranked among one of the top cities in the United States for commuting by bike.
4. San Diego, CA
In addition to being the fifth fittest city in the U.S., San Diego also happens to be one of the healthiest overall. We love this city’s ample coastline, mild climate and its harborside, where it’s easy to get in a great workout in the sunshine.
5. Washington, DC
Believe it or not, Washington D.C. ties with San Francisco for first place for having the most walking trails per capita in the country. In between visiting the city’s many sights and museums, you’ll easily find restaurants serving healthy grub and plenty of places to get in a quick workout.
Keep on keeping on
Even if you can’t plan a wellness weekend getaway to one of these ultra-fit American cities, you can still make your trip a healthy one using the 8fit app and incorporating some of our nutritious hacks into your travel routine. If you do end up indulging a little bit, don’t let that get you down. Our best advice? Do your best to stay on track and pick yourself right back up if you fall off-course. You’ve got this!
