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!

I’m glad you all seemed to enjoy my random day of eats I shared. While I do not eat those same things every day, well besides maybe the oats and yogurt bowl because I am me, I do feel it reflects my general eating habits well. I really try to keep things as balanced as possible and choose wholesome foods as much as possible. I know I have plenty of room for improvement, but I don’t believe in eating “perfectly” anyways. I believe in eating in a way that nourishes my body, gives it energy, and keeps me from feeling deprived in any manner.

80% salads…20% cupcakes. 😉

I have gone through a lot of trial and error in finding that balance in foods I enjoy and that treat my body well. Over the years I have learned that my body functions well on a higher ratio of carbohydrates for energy, but that I also need protein and fat with every meal to truly feel satisfied. I have discovered that simple foods and recipes will keep me more aligned with healthy eating. I have reacquainted myself with reasonable portions and fitting in my favorite treats to lead off the binging struggles I used to face. I have also found that I don’t need, or want, as much meat in my diet.

I typically eat only 3 or 4 meals that include meat a week and a smaller than normal portion, as I add in extra veggies, beans, or other foods. Everything else is meat-free. I used to have meat in almost every main meal. I easily ate meat 15 times a week in double the portion size that I eat of it now when I do consume meat. I now prefer getting my protein from sources like eggs, beans, nuts, dairy, and some tofu.

 
Love this meal! Egg scramble with goat cheese + veggies. Sweet potato & black beans.

I have no problem with people’s food choices – vegan, vegetarian, hard-core carnivore…whatever. I don’t really care for eating labels anyways. However, I will say that I would have never known that eating less meat works well for me if I had not embraced experimenting with my eating choices. I completely support branching out to learn more about what makes your body feel best, which is why I also support Erin from The Healthy Apron’s initiative of Meat – Less May.

She isn’t saying to give up meat, just as I don’t choose to do. She simply hopes to encourage others to attempt eating less meat and see how it impacts their health. Yes, I know May is on its last legs…but that doesn’t mean trying something new with your approach to eating can’t happen beyond May 31. I just love the idea of always making myself aware of how my eating habits work in my life and working towards improvement that fits my lifestyle. I know I have plenty of ways I can improve my eating habits…and I hope to continue doing so for a long time to come, while still keeping that balance and enjoyment with food I desire.

What are some eating changes you have considered making before? Or have you made any that you feel really made a difference in your quality of life? I want to continue trying to eat less processed foods.