How can we stay on our health track while on vacation??? PART 2 of 2

FULL DISCLOSURE AGAIN!!!

This is something that I honestly struggle with...that's why I really want to talk about it!! Have you ever gone on vacation and just totally derailed all or most of your healthy habits?

In my “Part I” blog, we discussed how you can still keep up with your workouts while on vacation without feeling like you are missing out so today I want to talk about nutrition!

Picture this…..the smell of fresh tacos and the sound of cold beer pouring out of a tap…these are two of my favourite things about a vacation! Then we tell ourselves….we are so “good” all the rest of the time so why not indulge a little while we’re away??

Well, the truth of the matter is…you can totally derail (not destroy) all your hard efforts from the months prior, just by bingeing for a week or two while away. I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Everything in Moderation”? Well this definitely holds true in this scenario. When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, think 80% nutrition and 20% body movement.

What does this mean?

Well, in terms of your weight loss efforts, it is really important to focus primarily on nutrition. There is this great expression I always use, “You cannot outrun a bad diet”…. In other words, if you run for an hour you may burn approximately 500 calories. That is about the equivalent of half a pound of wings or 2 pints. Since losing weight is primarily about caloric deficits you can see how these foods add up pretty quickly.

And… since your body wants nourishment to help keep you safe and healthy, you may want to consider some swaps. I would say, maybe have the half pint or lighter beer but enjoy a veggie wrap (sans sauces/mayos if you can) with sweet potato fries. Then you get your veggies in and sweet potatoes have more vitamins than regular white potatoes and will keep you satiated longer.

Want to take it up a notch?

Try doing half servings and after your half pint, have a bubbly water with lemon and lime and then just see if you feel like another pint. I am betting your belly will feel pretty full and the answer may be no? You are now feeling satisfied and won’t want to feel sick!!

Do you see where I am going with this??

Here are some other tips I use while on vacation:

TRICK #1 Squeeze in a workout first thing so you have burned some extra calories to make up for some anticipated ones. This also makes you feel good so you are less likely to make poor food choices.

TRICK #2 Try to pick healthier restaurants, right from the start. They often have some really original dishes that you don’t get very often so you don’t feel deprived.

TRICK #3 If the family votes against healthier choice restaurants and you find yourself at a wings and fries place, try to find the most nutritious choices on the menu and order that OR if you really want to splurge go ahead and enjoy those fries, but ask for a half serving and maybe a veggie burger instead of greasy beef.

TRICK #4 Always drink plenty of water BEFORE (not during or right after) you eat, so you feel a bit fuller when making your dinner decisions. This will allow you to choose with a clear head….kind of like not grocery shopping on empty stomach.

And remember, if you do happen to indulge, tomorrow you are not starting from the very beginning. You will be starting from where you left off! It’s just important that you “Start” again….health is a lifestyle, not a diet, so you are entitled to indulge here and there. Just keep it under control and always think of food as FUEL to nourish our bodies to ward off illness and disease, not just something we shove in our mouths to satisfy a craving.

Hope you have found this helpful!!

Feel free to send me any tips or feedback you have about this or any other topic at www.myinnerself.ca!! 🍐