I had a variety of Faith Fitness Fun t-shirts made through Spreadshirt.

Though slightly self-indulgent, I’m more than a little in love with them.

This morning was the first time I had showered since Tuesday night. Yeahhhh. Don’t know why I find showering daily so difficult.

I wish tanning didn’t harm the skin. I could go for the sun-kissed bronze skin of my yesteryears – before I got all freaked out from numerous mole removals/biopsies and forever banished myself to under the tent.

I can understand why parents used to leave their kids in the car and run into the store quickly. And I sometimes wish it was still socially acceptable – like today when I had to unload two kids to pick up ONE thing at the store.

I have a bad habit of never having cash on me. I had to use my credit card for said purchase at the store this morning – all $2.05 of it.

As much as I love green smoothies and as much as smoothies make perfect beach food, I honestly don’t plan on consuming a single bit of greens in smoothie form next week.

But I will bring my near empty jar of peanut butter along so I can have OIAJ. I clearly have my priorities in order. Peanut butter > spinach. Always.

I often have to take my own advice – like my healthy travel tips. I admit that vacation to me includes quite a few less nutritionally sound dining choices.

And I would be lying if I didn’t tell you I feel a wee bit anxious that could mean losing progress. I simply must remember to take things one decision at a time.

Lastly, I asked Peter if we have children’s Benadryl so Makenzie will sleep for the car ride down to Daytona. I was only half-kidding.

• Are you good about having cash on hand?
• Do you feel comfortable putting your blog name in the off-line public?

With an upcoming week long trip to the beach, I still plan to continue healthy habits. While I certainly believe we should always use vacation as a time to decompress and enjoy ourselves, I also don’t feel the need to approach vacation as a “free-for-all”. I like to come into vacation with reasonable expectations – to have fun and have balance. Knowing how I plan to handle pre-, during, and post-vacation allows me to make the most of my trip and my healthy lifestyle.

Pre-Vacation
Plan a travel location that coincides with a healthy lifestyle. For our annual trip to the beach, I know the location makes outdoor activities accessible. Also, staying in a condo with a kitchen gives us the option of preparing our own meals instead of eating out the entire trip. Many times you can find a good deal when renting a condo for a week over the nightly cost of a hotel room without such amenities.

Pack to be active and eat well. I always pack a pair of tennis shoes and comfortable workout style clothing so I can be prepared for action. Even if I don’t use my workout gear in a traditional gym setting, having it available makes me more likely to use it. Same thing with snacks. If I come prepared with healthy snacks, their accessibility will make me more likely to reach for them over the candy in a hotel vending machine.

Use the vacation for goal motivation. I admit that an upcoming beach trip will spark some extra fire in my workouts or give me extra determination in sticking with quality foods. It’s reasonable to use a trip for motivation.

During Vacation
Stay active, but don’t count out informal exercise. On my trip, I do plan on some formal exercise, such as runs on the beach, but I also know I will get in plenty of other activity. Having fun and experiencing the trip doesn’t mean I’m giving up my activity. In fact, I usually end up more active on vacation. I know I will go on walks, play with the kids, splash in the ocean, spend a few hours bowling, hit up a putt-putt course, walk around town exploring, and more. Informal exercise adds up. Just get moving!

After climbing the lighthouse last year – definitely a workout!

Balance out healthy food with indulgences. My family beach vacation includes dining out practically every night. I could never hold off on ordering my favorites that I look forward to every year – fried coconut shrimp from Inlet Harbor, a margarita from Parks, cinnamon buns from Aunt Catfish, filet mignon from Stonewood, a special boardwalk ice-cream treat. Keeping this in mind, I make certain to balance out those meals with lighter meals filled with nutrition during the day. I also focus on 1 or 2 more indulgent items, instead of the whole shebang. For example, I will skip the bread basket, get veggies for a side, and happily consume my fried shrimp and margarita. 😉

Margarita time at the “kids” table!

Don't have guilt. For most of us, vacations usually only last a few days to a couple of weeks at most. I remind myself that I won’t undo all of my progress or healthy habits I have established in that amount of time. I really try to keep some perspective. Vacation doesn’t happen often and I want to have fun! Continuing to care for my health will help me feel best, so that helps me keep balanced, but I don’t fret if I end up drinking more cocktails than I anticipated or not waking up for a single morning run.

Post-Vacation
Jump back into normal eating and training habits right away. I give myself leeway on my travel day, but the very next day after I get home I head to the grocery store to stock up on staples and pick up my regular workout schedule. The longer I make excuses, the more difficulty I have breaking them.

Plan ahead, but be realistic. I shared before on the importance of taking things slow after returning from a break. I jump right back in, but at a lower intensity so I don’t end up in pain and unable to do anything.

Don’t get down. Travel usually leads to some water weight and bloating. It’s only natural when you take a shift from your standard eating and exercising habits. I have to give my body a full week or two to feel more normal again. I could beat myself up about a bloated stomach, but that won’t change anything. Instead, I choose to focus on the fun memories I created with loved ones.

• What are some ways you approach vacation healthfully?
• CUSTOM SIGN GIVEAWAY WINNER = # 3 – Holly @ The Runny Egg!!! I will send you an email and CC Megan from Signs on the Cheap to get you started with creating your own running sign. Congrats!