When traveling, we already recommend having the best time and enjoying every moment, but today we will talk about how you can manage your weight during your NYC trip!
New York City is a dream destination for many and the number of visitors it attracts clearly reflects that. In 2022, the city saw a 71% increase in tourism since 2021 with 56 million travelers paying a visit to the Big Apple.
Even more tourists are expected in 2023—around a whopping 62 million.
So, if you’re one of the many planning to take a trip to NYC, you’ll probably be excited to try out all sorts of experiences, including the dining scene, but you might be concerned about your weight.
The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice your vacation time by spending it at the gym daily or skipping some food spots you want to stop by.
Here’s how you can manage your weight during your trip and still make the most out of your visit to New York:
Explore the city on foot
NYC’s most iconic elements are its yellow taxis and subway, which are the usual ways tourists and residents alike get around.
Though taking public transportation is sometimes necessary, you’ll find that one of the best ways to explore the area around you is by walking; in fact, NYC is one of the most walkable cities in America.
Not many have cars and opt to take public transportation for long distances.
With walking, not only will you have more control over which nearby places you want to visit, but you’ll also be benefiting from the exercise and boosting your fitness and health.
An increase in your daily step count can lower your risk of premature death, heart disease, and cancer. Brisk walking—even in short bursts—further amps those benefits.
That additional calorie burn can also prevent more weight gain during your trip when you’ll most likely eat a lot.
Try walking to your destinations if they aren’t too far and use that opportunity to explore places like Little Islands, Central Park, South Seaport or other iconic locations and neighborhoods.
Avoid binging and then depriving yourself
NYC is a culinary hotspot known for its diverse range of cuisines worldwide that can be found in street food stalls, delis, pizzerias, bakeries, and high-end restaurants.
These food offerings can tempt you to let loose during your NYC vacation, but sometimes you’ll feel guilty later on and deprive yourself of food.
One of the most common weight loss mistakes people make is underestimating their portion sizes, which can prompt people to overeat.
Especially when eating out, most people underestimate their portions by as much as 46%. After pigging out, you might feel the urge to deprive yourself and not eat as much or as often.
You then feel uncomfortable and tired— leaving you susceptible to “unplanned” food choices later, and the cycle continues.
You’ll probably not be bringing measuring cups to every dining spot in NYC, but you can make a rough estimate using your hand.
For example, a one-ounce serving is around the size of your thumb, and a cup is roughly as big as your fist. If you can’t control portions, stick to a single serving before ordering or buying more food.
Get enough sleep
NYC is famously dubbed the “City that Never Sleeps,” but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on your shut-eye too.
You might want to take advantage of the excitement of the city that never seems to sleep, but that won’t do you any favors if you’re trying to watch your weight.
Sleep deprivation impacts weight loss and management in various ways. Staying in bed for less time was shown to lessen the amount of fat loss for those on a calorie restriction.
Disturbed sleeping patterns also lead to increased energy intake, mainly through snacking on fat and carb-rich foods.
If you plan your days more efficiently, you don’t need to lose sleep to maximize your NYC trip. Have a general itinerary for things you want to do each day to budget your time efficiently.
Whether visiting the MoMA, stopping by Liberty Island, or watching a Broadway show, planning your activities can help you schedule your time to ensure you can get home and get enough sleep without removing things from your to-do list.
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