How to Enjoy Your Vacation Without Beating Yourself Up
It's no secret that summertime is my all time favorite time of year. And during the summer, this very week is always even better. This week has been a beach week for my family for as long as I can remember. We have always loved celebrating the 4th of July. So, I know there are lots of you out there who are probably looking forward to some vacation time, or even if not for the week, at least for the day! Even if mini day vacation is awesome, right? Even though I love a vacation there was always a tiny part of me that dreaded getting off of my routine and coming back from a trip carrying those extra pounds, a bloated belly, and just feeling like I needed to start all over to get back where I started. I always beat myself up a little bit. I have clients and friends tell me how they exercise like freaks, do days of detoxing and pretty much make themselves miserable after a vacaton. Kind of defeats the purpose of taking time off and enjoying time away, right?
I have found a way to make sure I enjoy a trip, enjoy the food and drink that is part of a wonderful celebration or vacation, and come back without having to punish myself.First of all, if you are one of my clients participating in this round of Better & Beyond, then you are absolutely golden on your vacation. The purpose of Better & Beyond and the nutrition philosophy is to eat, not diet. You can stay on the carb schedule while on your vacation and keeping track of your macros is just as easy at home as it is anywhere! On low carb days, still load up on lots of proteins and healthy fats. Whereever you are, I know you can find dishes with chicken, grass fed beef and fish! Combine these with lots of greens and cruciferous veggies, and a healthy fat and you'll feel awesome. Snack on nuts, seeds and what you normally would. If you are out and want a treat, go for it. Just try to keep your macros in check. If they aren't perfectly on point, it's all good - it is vacation! You also have your day to enjoy what you want - so, for me, I'll make sure that day is Wednesday, the 4th of July, so I can enjoy.Or, I'll be honest here. We are going to a place where a particular restaurant has the best coconut shrimp I have EVER had. I'll be sure to plan and may make that my day because I know that's what I'm ordering and am already looking forward to it!Secondly, be active! You don't have to search out a gym while you are on vacation if that's not your jam. If you are at the beach, then you have a God made natural gym right outside. Walk, run, walk in thick sand, squat, lunge, you name it. Get out there and move your body. If you are in the mountains, again you have a God made natural gym right out your door. Walk, hike, bike, climb, and of course, those squats and lunges, planks and push ups can happen anywhere!Are you near water? Swim! I always feel so much better when I put swimming into my routine. If you are juggling kids on your trip, swap off with your husband, sister-in-law or family member so you can get in your exercise. This was always my time on our annual beach trips. I made myself get up a little earlier and have others in charge so I could get in a morning run or workout on the beach. As I would be leaving our condo, my brother would typically be up (we were the early risers) sipping on a Mountain Dew (he hated coffee) and tell me how all that exercise was going to kill me. (;My third tip might not sound like it'll help with any food babies that you might pick up on vacation, but this might be the most important tip. REALLY take time off. Get your work, bills, struggles and whatever messy part of life you might have going on, off of your agenda. If you do need to check in with work, set a certain time each day, do it and shut it down. Turn off your phone and social media. Take in your time, your sights, your surroundings and be present where you are and with whom you are with. Make your time away, whether it is a day or a week, what it was intended. This is a time to vacation from your normal routine, celebrate an event and enjoy the blessings of being where you are and being able to do what you are doing.Here are some other tips, workouts and motivation for you as you plan your own vacation.
Beach Workout
Total Body Beach Workout
Interval Workout of the Day
It's Vacation Time! My Top 5 Tips!
Unintentionally Unplugged
My Back from Vacation Philosophy
Have a wonderful holiday!
Live Big! Be Well!
