POUND-PROOF your Vacation!

POUND-PROOF YOUR VACATION!

How do I approach nutrition and fitness when I’m on vacation?

Well, the answer is simple: make it as FUN and as STRESS-FREE as possible. That’s what vacations are all about, right?!

But actually putting that into practice? Well… that can be a bit more difficult. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about balancing the good with the bad with the ugly. So here’s what works for me to maintain a healthy body and mind while relaxing and having fun.

WOW Vacation Principles

1. Don’t do your normal workouts. Once upon a time, I would find a local gym to train at because “being on vacation” was not an excuse to skip my routine. Those days are, thankfully, long gone.

My normal workouts are the last thing I want to do on vacation. Remember, vacation is having as much fun as possible, and trying NEW workouts IS fun! So I try new classes, go to a new gym (look for one that offers free passes online), or schedule a workout with a local trainer.

SO WHAT if I didn’t hit my 5 body part split that week? I still got my sweat on and learned some things in the process. WIN-WIN! And my mind isn’t so bogged down by thinking I have to go through the same ol’ rigmarole as I always do. Variety is the spice of life! So change it up by trying something new!

2. Change your perspective. Everything doesn’t have to be the greatest workout ever. There are other important things that happen during workouts, like connecting with your loved ones. I once went on an hour long jog with a good friend while on vacation in Miami and barely broke a sweat. Hour wasted? Nope. I rarely have the chance to tune out the rest of the world and have a one-on-one with my BFs (those 4 kiddos seem to take up most of my time!). So I will always remember that run for the great conversation we had, not the great sweat I got.

This past week, I went home to visit my mom in Lawrence, KS. (GO JAYHAWKS!). And I revisited my old stomping grounds at Red Dog’s Dog Days, an outdoor bootcamp that I loved to hate in high school. It was an awesome moment with my bro and sis that morning as we worked out, raced each other like old times, and reminisced. And even though the workout was less than what I normally do, that wasn’t the point that morning. The point was to connect with my siblings in a way that we hardly get a chance to do anymore. And it was one of the most memorable workouts of the week.

3. Explore. Instead of going to a gym or using the hotel facility, explore! Go for runs around the resort, down the beach, down the street (provided that it’s a safe area), and find out where in the world you are! I’ve found some great hole-in-the-wall shops and eateries this way.

Here are some other ideas to help you explore depending on where you are… visit state and national parks, go hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, or try activities like tree-top canopy tours, a flying trapeze classes, or a pole-dancing class. (Yes, I’ve tried this before, in Vegas of course, and it’s really quite hard! Seriously! I give those girls props!)

4. Don’t abandon basic nutrition principles, but don’t obsess either. I LOVE food. And I love trying NEW foods. Eating tasty meals is a high priority when I travel, and you can bet your bottom that I’ll find places making the best ice cream and cheeseburgers, and I’ll enjoy the WOW of out them.

The important thing to note is that I don’t eat this way for EVERY meal.

I make it a priority to eat mostly real, minimally processed foods. Something like an omelet with veggies for breakfast or fruit with yogurt and nut butter is typical. But when there’s something I really want to try available, I’ll enjoy it…guilt-free, by keeping the portions in check.

In the past I’d over eat ice cream or other not-super-healthy foods (I know you are sensing an ice cream theme here, and yes, it is true. Ice cream is my kryptonite.), but I’ve since realized that I don’t need to eat THAT much. Just because I was on vacation I didn’t need the large ice cream; a small was plenty. Shocking epiphany, I know!

Moderation and Balance. These are the key to staying healthy during vacation.

And keep in mind, just because you decide to eat a homemade, freshly baked croissant doesn’t mean you messed up and you need to compensate for it the rest of the day. Enjoy it, move on, and eat real foods at all your other meals.

Then you aren’t depriving yourself, but you’re still eating well to support your health and fitness goals.

Remember: it’s the habits you maintain over a long period of time, not a single doughnut or cup of gelato that will impact your physique or health. Don’t allow yourself to drift into the “I’m eating well all the time” or “I’m eating nothing but fried and heavily processed foods all the time” scenario. Just because you have a doughnut does not mean you “blew it” and should eat seven more.