Santa looks cute with a belly, not all of us. When you head out of town for a much-deserved winter break, remember that you are going to unwind, not to wind up with a large waistline.

Research shows that adults put on as much as 500 per cent more weight during holidays compared to when they are working. The gain may not seem significant after a brief holiday, but these increases ‘weigh-up’ over the years and contribute to obesity and related health risks.

So, it’s important to include some exercise and diet discipline in your itinerary. Here’s how you can do it:

Pack smart

Put a yoga mat, skipping rope, resistance bands and swimwear in your suitcase. They barely take up space yet provide the means for a wholesome workout. 

Skip the bus

Explore your destination by foot or bicycle. Shopaholics could also opt for a ‘mall-a-thon’— walking around the mall — to lose 250 calories per hour.

Be a beach bum

Instead of lounging in a chair, walk on the sand. A 30-minute walk will help burn 150 to 200 calories. Better still, run through the surf to use up the same number of calories in just 10 minutes.

Eat wise

Don’t pick the ‘meals-inclusive’ package. Travelers tend to consume twice the recommended daily calorie allowance in the first 24 hours of their hotel stay when meals are included.

Kid around

Chasing your children around the park for half hour will help you burn 150 calories. Try horse-riding, ice skating or building snowmen, too.

Speak to our health experts at Healthifyme about how best to have a healthy holiday.