Billy and I just spent a long weekend at the beach with his parents. Let me tell you, with all the COVID chaos it was SO nice to get away and take a break from all the Zoom meetings.
I used to come back from vacation feeling, well, just off after indulging in decadent foods and being out of a routine. Those days are no longer!
Keep reading to see how I live my best, healthy life on vacation without compromising the fun!
1. Start off strong
A day of travel often leaves me feeling bloated, sluggish, and tired; Not exactly how I want to feel at the start of a vacation. To combat those less than ideal travel side effects, I do my best to start my travel day with exercise and a nutritious breakfast. Billy and I left at 7 a.m. to get to Hilton Head Island, so I didn’t have time to do a full workout and sit down with breakfast. When you’re pressed for time, try to squeeze in even a quick workout and bring something healthy you can eat on the go. For this trip, I woke up early to squeeze in a 30 min cycle workout and took my smoothie on the road.
2. Move your body daily
It’s easy to throw out your exercise routine when you’re on vacation. You’re away from your gym or favorite running path and you’re out of your daily routine. Rather than using these factors as an excuse, use them to find new, fun ways to move your body. There are so many family friendly activities to do on vacation that will also get you moving. Try hiking, biking, walking on the beach, exploring a new city on a run, swimming, or playing tennis to get your daily movement in!
3. Aim for 2 healthy meals per day
I know, I know, “It’s vacation! I’m supposed to indulge!”. Many of us have grown up thinking vacation is the time to go all out. While vacation is certainly a time to loosen up a little and enjoy some foods you may not normally eat, don’t go overboard. I’m not condoning calorie counting or strict dieting on your next trip, but keep in mind how unhealthy foods make you feel. If you want to avoid feeling tired, bloated, or sick from too many sweets or drinks, aim for two healthy meals per day. If you know you’re going out to a nice dinner, try to have a nutritious breakfast and lunch. If you’re starting your day with a decadent brunch, aim for a lighter lunch and dinner. I promise this tip will make you feel so much better and will give you more energy to enjoy your vacation!
4. Plan ahead
We all know what it feels like to be hangry. You’d consider eating a bag of goldfish, the whole box of cereal, or the entire fridge to avoid starving. In order to avoid hanger and its less than pleasant results, plan ahead! Pack healthy snacks (see my Go To Healthy Snacks HERE) or stop by the grocery store when you arrive at your destination to avoid making unhealthy choices due to hunger taking over.
5. RELAX
Chill out! It’s vacation! It’s okay if you have pizza or pasta or cake (oh my!). A few more carbs, an extra glass of wine, or a slice of chocolate cake overlooking the beach (which I enjoyed thoroughly on Hilton Head Island last night, by the way) won’t kill you! You know what might? Too much stress! Take this time away from your responsibilities to give yourself some much needed TLC.
I hope that by implementing my 5 healthy travel tips outlined above, you will thrive on your next vacation! Let me know if you have any other healthy travel tips in the comments below or on Instagram @havenspanyer!
