Sin City isn’t known for its status as a top health retreat. Rarely do people head to Vegas with the intention of starting a new diet or finally getting into shape. Rather, Las Vegas is for relaxing and indulging, giving in to your base instincts to relieve stress and have fun.
Still, you don’t need to surrender your hopes for being healthy as soon as you step foot on the Strip. Here are a few ways you can keep your mind and body in shape while you spend time in Sin City.
Walk, Don’t Uber
In the days before rideshare apps, you had three choices for vacation transportation: You could rent a car, you could use public transit, or you could walk everywhere. Now, because it is remarkably easy and affordable to summon semi-private transport to your door, you probably take Lyfts and Ubers everywhere you go.
In some destinations, using rideshare apps makes sense, considering how far apart attractions can be. However, in Vegas, most everything you likely want to see and do will be clustered close together on the Strip. By opting to walk instead of calling an Uber, you can burn off your vacation calories without trying to fit in a workout.
Substitute Weed for Booze
Alcohol is bad for you. First, it is literally a poison that kills your cells, sometimes to a dangerous degree. Secondly, it dehydrates you, making you feel awful for days on end. Thirdly, it is chock full of empty calories. Suffice it to say that if you are striving to stay healthy on your vacation, you shouldn’t over-indulge in the drink.
Fortunately, there is an easy substitution for booze: weed. Cannabis is legal when purchased from a dispensary in Las Vegas, and its effects are much less deleterious than those of alcohol. For one, THC overdoses are not life-threatening and result in no long-term negative effects whatsoever; for another, if you don’t buy edibles, weed doesn’t require you to consume empty calories — and in fact, it can jumpstart your metabolism to help you burn all the excess calories you eat at top Vegas restaurants. As long as you are drinking water during your 420 sessions, you should only feel positive effects.
Get Outside During Daylight
Vegas doesn’t sleep; in fact, many of the most exciting events take place after the sun sets. However, you should fight the temptation to sleep all day so you can stay awake all night. Going against your natural sleep circadian rhythm can have disastrous health consequences, like reductions in the effectiveness of your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Sleep deprivation can also increase your blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or stroke, and it slows your metabolism and causes you to gain weight.
You can shift your sleep schedule slightly later to take advantage of the Vegas nightlife, but you should try to get outside during the day. You might use the daylight hours to explore some green spaces around Vegas, like Red Rock Canyon or Lake Mead. If you enjoy a hike through a natural area, you can keep your circadian rhythm ticking healthily and burn some calories in a positive place for your mental health.
Eat Better Food
It is your vacation, and you are heading to one of the culinary capitals of the country, so you shouldn’t feel bad about being a bit gluttonous. However, you should try to choose restaurants and meals that have nutrients your body and brain need. As much as you might want to eat every dinner at the Heart Attack Grill, you probably should find healthier options to keep your heart happy.
There are a few ways to keep your eating on track during your trip, even if you do select indulgent places to eat. You can bring your own healthy snacks on your vacation, so you aren’t tempted to buy snacks that are high in sugar and fat. You should always take the time to eat breakfast, which will kick your metabolism into gear and keep you full during your daily activities. Finally, you should drink large amounts of water; Vegas is in the desert, and the hot, dry air can cause you to dehydrate faster than you might expect. Plus, thirst often masquerades as hunger, so by drinking water, you can avoid consuming unnecessary calories.
Vegas has something for everyone, to include health nuts. If you are committed to keeping your body and mind well nourished during your trip to Sin City, you can find success.
