Vacation – The Dos & Don’t of Eating & Working Out on Vacation

We are going on vacation to the beach this summer. I am beyond excited; I have not seen waves or sand since 2007! Crazy, right?

A lot has happened since then, and I hope the beach is just like I left it (oil-free, sunny, and with a light breeze).

While vacation is exciting and a great way to relax, it often becomes stressful if you are not going with other healthy people. Plus, sometimes even the healthiest people need to kick back with a burger or a glass or two of wine, right?

Instead of taking on an all-or-nothing approach, I find a balanced perspective to be the best.

While you are on vacation, go ahead and enjoy, but also find ways to keep everything in moderation. If you know you’d like to do a quick workout, pack it or find a gym. Go grocery shopping on the first day and carry a cooler of clean foods.

Simple changes go a long way.

Vacation – The Dos & Don’t of Eating & Working Out on Vacation

DO – Stay active!

I’d rather have my teeth cleaned than jump on a treadmill or workout in a hotel gym, but there are fun ways to stay active on vacation. DO think about what can get you moving.

Since we will be in Florida, I plan on playing beach volleyball, walking to dinner, and playing in the ocean. Not going to the beach? Try skiing or hiking. There is usually something fun to do outside on vacation – Be creative!

DO – Give yourself a break.

We are constantly checking a to-do list, working out, and eating to a plan. Often times it is productive, but you can also burn out.

Take a vacation for what it is — a break! You DON’T need a list of things to do or to be whipping out myfitnesspal after every M&M. If you are like me, you may also need to cut yourself some slack in the bathing suit. Take this time to practice some self-love.

DO – Sleep in.

It goes back to taking a vacation as a break. Nearly 1/3 of Americans are sleep deprived! Catch-up!

DO – Plan (somewhat).

I’m a planner so if you enjoy flying by the seat of your pants, take this lightly. Ask what the people you are going with what they really want to do, and share what you want. That way you have a plan and everyone knows each others’ goal for vacation.

Also, research what is in the area–is there an awesome healthy bistro around? What about a local dance club or flag football team?

DO – Consider grocery shopping.

We are staying in a condo with a full kitchen for a week. While I am looking forward to eating out a few nights, my stomach and wallet can’t handle it for every meal. Every vacation, we have a grocery budget of $100-200 dollars. We get breakfast, lunch, and snack stuff.

This is a great opportunity to pick up some healthy choices to keep your body in balance. I like Greek yogurt, fruit, whole wheat bread, peanut butter, M&Ms, baked chips, and salsa!

A balance of healthy and splurge foods will keep the fun going even in a supermarket. You can be a little frivolous, and it’s cheaper than ordering cocktails a couple nights a week.

 

DON’T – Eat or drink yourself into a coma.

It’s vacation. I am going to get the $10 bag of peanut butter M&Ms at the store. I am going to have a couple vanilla rum & Diet Cokes. I may even have a Krispy Kreme for breakfast. The thing is, I’m not going to overdo it. A little of a good thing goes a long way. Remember to be present when you eat and drink and think about how you will feel in an hour.

What are your vacation Do’s and Don’ts?