10 Travel Diet Tips From Alison Sweeney of "The Biggest Loser"

Vacations are relaxing, but not if you’re stressed about ruining a healthy regimen! To keep wholesome routines intact, Alison Sweeney, the actress, mother, and host of the TV show “The Biggest Loser,” has given us her 10 best tips for staying in shape while traveling and her favorite dishes that she deems worthy of a few extra crunches in the gym.

“While there are definitely meals and foods worth cheating for, I always try to find a happy medium – something that might be indulging but that I can still find a benefit in eating,” Alison told us. “If I eat too unhealthily for an entire day, I’ll have a horrible time falling asleep, so I stick to just picking one must-have cheat food each place I go.”

Alison Sweeney on the set of ‘The Biggest Loser’ (Photo: NBC/Getty Images)

Alison’s Tips and Tricks for Traveling on a Diet:

1. Always stretch after a flight. When you’ve been sitting and tense that long, your muscles can get tighter than ever. I like to do a few quick yoga poses when I get where I’m going, just to reset and prepare for the day.

2. Don’t skip the cocktails, just the sugary ones. Margaritas have tons of calories, but I’ve discovered you can order a really nice sipping tequila with a little bit of lime or lemon juice and a little agave. It’s less caloric but still delicious.

3. Skip the waffle maker at the hotel breakfast bar. Mix in a few berries and cinnamon with Greek yogurt, and it feels like a treat!

Greek yogurt with berries (Photo: Thinkstock)

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4. Use the coffee maker if you’re staying somewhere without a complimentary breakfast. My go-to meal in the mornings at home is oatmeal with agave and cinnamon, and you can make it in your hotel room using the hot water from the Mr. Coffee machine.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Flying dehydrates you. When you’re rushing from place to place, it’s easy to forget the H2O. Make an effort to drink a glass of water every hour.

6. Sightsee while you sweat. I like to go for a five- to six-mile run first thing in the morning when I’m in a new city. The view always beats the one from a hotel treadmill!

Alison Sweeney running in Central Park, New York City (Photo: FilmMagic)

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7. Sleep. One thing I’ve learned to never underestimate is the importance of sleep. Avoid using any electronics right before bed — the bright screens keep you awake! — and make seven to eight hours of shuteye a priority.

Alison is a fan of SleepIQ by Sleep Number which monitors your heart rate, breathing rate, and movement to ensure a good night’s sleep.“

8. Before you eat out, scan the menu online. Familiarize yourself with all the healthy possibilities, so you don’t feel rushed and choose the first tasty thing you see when it’s your turn to order.

9. Treat your exercise like it’s a vacation in itself. I used to tell myself, “I’m on vacation, I don’t have to work out.” Now, I look at it as “I can sleep in and still have time for a yoga class!”

Incorporate fitness into your vacation (Photo: Thinkstock)

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10. Relax. If you don’t stick to your normal fitness and diet plan 100 percent, that’s totally normal on a trip or vacation. If you can incorporate fitness into each day in some way and eat a majority of your meals in a health-conscious way, that’s something to feel good about.

Alison’s Ten Meals From Around the World Worth Your Diet Cheat Day:

1. Gelato in Italy. Italy is famous for two foods — gelato and pretty much anything made entirely out of carbs. Instead of gorging on pasta, I’ll treat myself to a small helping and feel completely satisfied. It’s so tasty, even in small doses. Remember: Portion control is still key!

Gelato flavors (Photo: Tim Graham)

2. Shepherd’s Pie in Britain. We went on a family vacation a few years ago to London, and there’s nothing cozier at the end of a rainy day than this hot dish: minced lamb topped with mashed potatoes. Talk about comfort food!

3. My mom’s red velvet cake in Pasadena, California. It’s just worth it! I have a sweet tooth, and if I don’t allow myself a few of my favorite things, I’ll either feel depressed that I don’t get to be a part of the tradition or tempted to overindulge later.

Red velvet cake (Photo: Getty Images)

4. Wiener schnitzel in Austria. This veal cutlet is pretty much what you think of when you think of Austria. It’s deep-fried and usually served with potatoes or rice, but I switch this out with steamed veggies so I can eat my fill.

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5. Moules-frites in Belgium. I love seafood and can feel good about eating that protein, but there is just something about combining it with crispy fries. I like mine with a tomato-based broth. It’s irresistible.

Moules-frites (Photo: Thinkstock)

6. Soda bread in Ireland. It’s the national dish, and I’m all about immersing myself in the culture when I travel. Normally, bread isn’t a part of my diet at all. But, whew! — well-made Irish soda bread is a must when I’m in Ireland.

7. Cheese fondue at La Bonne Soupe in New York City. My trainer told me once to “only eat cheese when I can taste it.” It’s a great way to make sure I’m only investing in those calories when they’re worth it. And this is definitely worth it.

La fondue au fromage (Photo: Thinkstock)

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8. Stuffed bell peppers in New Orleans. I love bell peppers — I put them in any dish I can — but when I go to New Orleans, I go all out. Cajun stuffed bell peppers with Creole seasoning and lots of shrimp and different meats are to die for.

9. Barbecue in Texas and/or Kansas City. Grilling is my absolute favorite way to cook, but when I head to Texas, I leave it to the experts. I skip the cornbread but load up on ribs and brisket.

10. Crepes in Paris. We went as a family to Paris on one of our vacations, and this was a breakfast staple. They also make great lunch versions. It was a delicious treat.

WATCH: Alison Sweeney’s Secret to Staying Fit

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