It’s an age old problem. You’re on vacation and you want to enjoy it to the fullest, but that includes indulging in the local cuisine, which is very likely to be way outside of your normal dietary constraints. You don’t want to come back from vacation with your gut as full as the inbox that awaits you, but you also don’t want to pass up this sliver of freedom before you get back to work by stressing about calories. Here are some rules of thumb you can take on your vacation to minimize the damage and sacrifice before you get back to your normal routine:

1) Don’t stuff yourself like a turkey

Especially when you’re visiting an area with different cuisine, indulging in food is part of the experience. Don’t hesitate to enjoy it, but maintain a bit of the portion control you employ in your normal diet. You can forget about the caloric density of the food for this short time, but don’t throw out the portion control. This way, you get to enjoy the bursting flavors of the food but don’t go overboard.

2) Sprinkle in some excitement

Personally, I see vacations as a time to experience new things. I recommend applying the same notion to the food you eat. When you try something new, you’re much more likely to consume it slowly as you analyze the flavors. You’ll not only give yourself more time to enjoy it, but you’ll also give your body time to tell you when you’re full. This tactic forces you to employ another staple of healthy eating: eat slowly.

3) Take a breather, grab some flavor.

Most people tend to actually be more active on vacations than their normal sedentary working life. This helps your metabolism utilize the higher caloric density of the food you’re likely to eat, but it also calls for more snacking to manage your appetite. Don’t feel guilty about grabbing a snack after any activities you do, just keep them small and simple. Be sure not to use this as an excuse to fit in a micro-meal and label it as a snack.

4) Keep your eyes on the prize

Ultimately, you’re on vacation to enjoy yourself. With these rules of thumb in mind, focus on what you’re on vacation for; to relax. Take in the environment, take part in the activities, and enjoy yourself. Think about these rules when it’s time to eat, and throw them out the window when you’re engaged in all the other activities. This will keep your mind occupied and less focused on food so cravings don’t creep up on you. Once you get back to the daily grind, you can resume your routine of a healthy lifestyle and not feel like you have to catch up for bingeing on your vacation. Have fun and enjoy!