Eating well is also part of the fun: healthy habits for family holidays
Who says you have to choose between enjoying your holiday and looking after your children's diet? If you're looking to eat healthy on a family holiday, the key isn't sticking to a perfect routine, but finding the right balance between discovering new flavours, spending quality time together and enjoying a varied diet.
Travelling with children changes many things: daily schedules, activities and even their appetite. In this article, you'll discover how to maintain healthy eating habits during your holiday, with practical ideas to help the whole family eat well without missing out on the joy of getting away.
Simple habits to help your children eat healthily on holiday
Holidays are a time to relax, but keeping a few simple routines helps children feel comfortable and enjoy every day even more. There's no need to plan every meal in detail—small habits can make a big difference. Some easy ideas include:
- Combining fruit, cereals and fresh foods at breakfast.
- Staying well hydrated, especially after playing in the pool or outdoors.
- Choosing balanced meals with vegetables, protein and energy-rich foods.
- Leaving room for small treats, because they're part of the holiday too.
Healthy meal ideas for holidays with children
Having a kitchen in your family accommodation makes it easy to prepare simple, healthy meals for everyone, turning every mealtime into a chance to spend quality time together. What's more, the supermarket at Cambrils Park Resort offers fresh produce, seasonal fruit and everything you need for day-to-day family life. Here are a few ideas for eating healthily during your holiday:
| Time of day | Balanced meal ideas |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oats with fruit, tomato toast, yoghurt with cereal or a bowl of fresh fruit to start the day full of energy. |
| Lunch | Fresh salads, sandwiches made with natural ingredients or light pasta with olive oil and vegetables. |
| Afternoon snack | Seasonal fruit, natural yoghurt or avocado toast. Simple options that children can also help prepare. |
| Dinner | Sautéed vegetables, omelettes, rice dishes or creamy soups that are quick to prepare and perfect after a day full of adventures. |
Where to enjoy healthy food with children at Cambrils Park Resort
When travelling with children, finding restaurants where everyone can enjoy a relaxed meal is essential for a stress-free holiday. At Cambrils Park Resort, gastronomy is part of the family experience, with a variety of dining spaces and options for every moment of the day. In our family restaurants, you'll find something for every taste while enjoying healthy, flavourful food.
El Pescador Restaurant
Cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine.
Traditional rice dishes, fresh fish and seafood tapas with views of the La Mediterrània lighthouse. A wonderful place to discover the flavours of the Mediterranean together as a family in a peaceful setting.
La Masia Restaurant
Cuisine: Local and traditional cuisine.
Local recipes, grilled meats and locally sourced ingredients. Homemade dishes with familiar flavours that both adults and children will love.
Fòrum
Cuisine: International cuisine.
A restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes to share with the whole family. Its extensive menu makes it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy.
El Porxo: Take Away
Cuisine: Takeaway food.
A practical option for adapting mealtimes to your family's schedule. Take your favourite dishes with you and enjoy them wherever you like.
Eating well is also part of the family holiday experience
Enjoying a balanced diet on holiday doesn't mean saying no to everything that makes travelling special. On the contrary, it's all part of creating unforgettable memories together.
Children can learn while having fun. Trying a new fruit, tasting a local speciality or helping choose a meal turns an everyday moment into a little adventure.
In a destination like Cambrils, where the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages relaxed meals, every mealtime becomes an opportunity to connect as a family. After a morning spent enjoying the pools, games and activities, gathering around the table is another wonderful way to make the most of your holiday.
If you're travelling with young children, family-friendly facilities and services make all the difference. At Cambrils Park Resort, everything is designed to make family holidays easier, from comfortable accommodation to services that make your stay even more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions about healthy eating on holiday
Which foods are unhealthy for children?
Foods high in added sugars, saturated fats and ultra-processed ingredients are considered less healthy for children. This includes sugary soft drinks, industrial pastries and highly processed snacks. While these foods can be enjoyed occasionally during a holiday, they shouldn't become a regular part of a child's diet.
To maintain a balanced diet, it's best to prioritise fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and home-cooked meals that provide the energy and nutrients children need throughout the day.
What simple meals can I take on day trips?
The best meals to take on excursions are those that keep well, are easy to carry and provide lasting energy, such as wholemeal sandwiches, fresh fruit, unsalted nuts or chilled natural yoghurt.
These options make it easy to enjoy a day out while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, even when you're on the move.
What foods are recommended during hot weather?
In summer, the body benefits from lighter meals and staying well hydrated. In destinations such as the Costa Dorada, where warm weather is common throughout the day, it's important to adapt your diet to the climate.
It's recommended to:
- Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables with a high water content, such as watermelon, melon and cucumber.
- Choose cold or light meals, including salads, light soups and pasta dishes.
- Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Avoid heavy or large meals during the hottest hours of the day.
Staying well hydrated and eating light meals helps children maintain their energy levels and enjoy every activity to the fullest, from swimming in the pool to playing outdoors.
