4 Easy Ways to Travel "Light"

Don't let your trip send your healthy habits packing. Here's how to stay on track while you're kicking back.

If schlepping around a food journal and calorie-counting book isn't your idea of a dream getaway, try these tips from Cathy Nonas, R.D., author of Outwit Your Weight.

1. Pack protein
   Curb your hunger by keeping your blood sugar stable. Stash an energy bar (one with at least 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber) in your carry-on in case you're stuck on the tarmac or in traffic. "Choose a flavor you like but don't love, so you won't eat it out of boredom," says Nonas.

2. Watch the clock
   Many women end up eating too much when they cross time zones, reaching for sugary carbs as a pick-me-up and adding an extra meal. Limit yourself to three meals and two light snacks, and try to get in sync with the eating schedule of your destination as soon as possible. For example, if breakfast is being served on the plane but it'll be noon when you land, you may want to skip the in-flight meal and grab lunch when you arrive.

3. Be choosy
   Give yourself flexibility at the meal you really care about, and then make the other two more structured, advises Nonas. If you usually eat fancy restaurant dinners, stick to yogurt and cereal in the a.m. and have a big salad at lunch.

4. Sip wisely
   It's tempting to hit every happy hour, but alcohol stimulates your appetite and lowers your self-control, so you're likely to gobble up more. Go easy on the afternoon umbrella drinks, and order your mango margarita with dinner instead of before it.