As the end of August approaches, many of us are about to embark on one last family trip before the start of the school year. The kids are home from camp and everyone is back together again for one last hurrah. We all want to make the most of it, but it can be hard when you also want to stay in control and continue with your weight loss plan. Being on vacation is always tricky when it comes to eating clean and healthy, so here are some tips to help keep you on track and bounce back after a trip.
Before you go: Make sure you have a healthy breakfast and stick to your healthy routine until the moment you leave. The excitement associated with going away can cause us to feel like celebrating – and cheating – before we even leave, but staying as clean as possible until you depart is going to be a big help. If you are already gaining before you go, you can imagine how the rest of the trip will result. If you are putting your weight loss plans on hold and you would rather pick up again when you get home, that’s up to you. Finding the balance between enjoying yourself because you are indulging and enjoying yourself because you are making healthy choices that make you feel good are a part of life, not just vacation eating. Figure out your plan before you go and be honest with yourself. Setting unrealistic expectations just puts more mental and emotional strain on you. But if you want to eat as healthy as possible, familiarize yourself with portion sizes, go-to recipes and menu items, bring healthy snacks and anything else that can give you an edge during your vacation.
While you are away: When you arrive, make note of the restaurants and shops in your area. Is there somewhere where you can go shopping for food and snacks? Is there a convenient and local restaurant where you have some healthy options? If you are staying in a hotel, take a look at the hotel’s restaurant and room service menus. Whether you are sitting by the pool in a tropical paradise or walking the streets of Europe, remember to stay hydrated and eat food that will give you fuel for the day’s activities. When it comes to special meals and treats, decide what you really want to splurge on and remember that you don’t have to eat until you are stuffed, just satisfied. When possible, go for a walk after meals and enjoy the scenery.
When you come back: Coming back from vacation can put us in a gloomy mood, especially so close to the beginning of school. Things can also get chaotic with the transition into the school year and getting back on track when it comes to your eating habits can take a back seat. Traveling can be exhausting, and coming home to an empty kitchen usually means eating whatever is around (whether it’s healthy or not) or ordering in. Don’t continue the vacation eating at home. As soon as you can, head to the grocery store and stock up on your healthy foods.
We may not want the summer to end, and coming back from a vacation knowing that it’s time to get back to reality and the school routine can make us drag our heels even more, but there is so much to look forward to in the fall and the best way to push ourselves towards success is to end the summer on a high note. Don’t make next month about punishing yourself or trying to erase what you did at the end of the summer. Build your positive momentum now and have the best September possible.
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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