Spring break is almost here, and you’re probably thinking about kicking back, soaking up some sun and maybe even showing off that beach body you’ve been working on. But just because you’re on vacation, that doesn’t mean your low-carb diet has to be put on the backburner.

Spring is the perfect time to keep things light and fresh, especially when it comes to your food choices. Staying low-carb is like your secret superpower. It will keep you feeling great, whether chilling on the sand or zipping around a new city.

Vacations are all about the good times, but it can be a bit tricky to stick to your eating plan when you’re out of your routine. No sweat, though. With some smart snack packing and a little know-how, you can enjoy spring break without throwing your goals out the window.

Benefits of a low-carb diet

Low-carb isn’t just a diet. It’s a way of life. There are numerous benefits of a low-carb diet. It’s all about burning fat, keeping your energy steady and making sure those blood sugar levels are nice and even. Plus, it’s totally doable on vacation with a little prep.

Planning your low-carb spring break

When planning a low-carb spring break, it is important to plan ahead for a successful and enjoyable trip. Following are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing a destination

When selecting a destination, it is important to research the local food to make sure that there are plenty of low-carb options available. Think about what you’ll be eating when you’re choosing where to go. Lots of places are low-carb friendly, with healthy meals like fresh seafood or grilled meats. But honestly, you can make it almost anywhere.

Accommodation considerations

Choosing the right accommodation is also important. Opting for a hotel or rental with a full kitchen or kitchenette can make preparing healthy meals and snacks easier. Another tip is to look for accommodations that offer amenities such as a gym or pool to help stay active if that is not already on the vacation itinerary.

Packing essentials

As with any vacation, it is important to bring along some essentials. This may include low-carb snacks such as nuts or jerky and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to throw in some workout clothes, comfortable shoes and your other vacation attire.

Low-carb eating strategies

One of the best ways to find low-carb options is to research restaurants and menus ahead of time. Many restaurants now offer low-carb options, and some even have specific low-carb menus. Meats and vegetables are a great go-to option when eating out.

Another strategy is to focus on whole foods rather than processed foods. Whole foods such as vegetables and meat are naturally low-carb and can help you maintain your diet while still enjoying delicious meals. Can you see the trend here about meat and vegetables?

There are almost always whole food options, whether at a grocery store or a restaurant. While organic may not always be readily available, there are generally options with minimally processed ingredients, which is the way to go.

Snacking on the go

Having the right snacks on hand is key when you’re out and about. Pack things like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, beef or turkey jerky, celery and cucumbers.

By packing these snacks ahead of time, you can avoid the temptation of high-carb snacks during those hangry moments. Many of these things can be found at gas stations or markets along the way. If you need to keep things cold, throw in some cold packs and a small cooler.

Recipes for the road

Planning goes a long way, and you can enjoy awesome low-carb meals on the move. There are plenty of quick and easy low-carb recipes to keep you fueled and satisfied during your travels.

Breakfast is your opportunity to get your day started right. Sometimes, eating in the car is a necessity and other times, making a relaxing breakfast is what the day calls for. Either way, these easy-to-make egg muffins are packed with protein and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and meats. If you want a lighter option that you can guzzle down quickly, a smoothie is a great way to get a lot of nutrients in one meal.

Lunch and dinner can be a breeze, too. Roll up some tasty wraps using lettuce or low-carb tortillas loaded with your choice of protein and fresh vegetables. Or, swap out pasta for zoodles and mix them up with different sauces and toppings for a quick, satisfying meal. They are easy to make, can be paired with a variety of other foods, and can be quickly eaten out of a container in the car.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Single-serve desserts such as cookies and muffins are a great option. Chocolate chip granola is a great snack that doubles as a sweet treat and a healthy energy booster.

Finding balance

Remember, it’s all about balance. Stick to your low-carb plan, but don’t forget to have a blast and make those spring break memories. With these tips, you can totally rock a low-carb spring break that’s full of fun and free from stress. A bit of planning and prep means you can stay true to your lifestyle and still have an epic time. Here’s to a spring break that’s as enjoyable as it is healthy.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.

Trina Krug, MS, CDSP is a holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and advocate for human health. Her passion for low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating and real nutrition education has led to the creation ofTrina Krug. She spends her time creating recipes, hanging out with her family on her farm and actively working on her Doctor of Science in Integrative Health specializing in Functional Nutrition.