Tips for a healthy family vacation

(NC) With temperatures dropping and holiday school closures, many families decide to head to destinations where the sun, sand and beaches are aplenty. To fully enjoy your long-awaited vacation, make sure your family stays healthy.
Knowing what supplements to take and what foods to eat while you’re away can make a big difference. Here are tips from the Canadian Health Food Association to help you stay healthy and enjoy your time off.
Keep a healthy digestive system with probiotics. Prevention is key, so be sure your family takes a probiotic with active cultures at least two weeks before your trip and throughout. These good bacteria will help to provide the proper balance of good flora, and combat foreign bacteria from the water and food you may encounter on your vacation. When purchasing supplements, always look for the eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN). This certifies that Health Canada has reviewed and approved the product for safety, efficacy and quality.
Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink water or try flavoured waters like coconut water and maple water, both of which are rich in natural minerals to replace lost electrolytes. Always remember to pack a water bottle for each person when you’re out enjoying the sights so you stay hydrated in hot weather.
Curb those craving shy. Keep healthy snacks in your bag to curb salty snack and sugary drink cravings while waiting in a line or in between meals. Dehydrated or baked kelp chips contain the goodness of a whole serving of veggies and are a healthier alternative to potato chips. You can also make your own trail mix with nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate. Consuming 25 to 40 grams of dark chocolate can improve blood flow, while nuts are packed with protein, fibre and essential fats to keep kids full until dinner.
Hemp is also an excellent source of protein, has a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can find hemp snacks at your local CHFA Member health food store, a great place to stock up before hitting the road. To find a store near you, visit chfa.ca.