How to Experience FOOD FREEDOM on Vacation!
I just got back from our annual cousins week and I’ve got a few takeaways from my time at the beach.
I’m just gonna keep it simple here: Don’t let counting macros or calories hold you captive while you’re on vacation. IT’S OK to enjoy a treat that you love here and there on vacation. Remember, you are there to enjoy time with family and friends. NOT time to worry and stress about macros or eating a slice of pizza or getting ice cream! It’s time to stop getting so nervous about “falling off the wagon on vacation” that you forget to enjoy it at all!
Here are my 5 tips on experiencing food freedom on vacation:
Unwind! You’re on vacation … Don’t worry or be so strict about counting macros, calories, following your nutrition perfectly or staying on a strict schedule. Remember, memories over macros.
Enjoy your food. Don’t feel guilty! When you live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, you can enjoy a treat every now and then GUILT FREE because it’s not what you eat everyday. It’s important to enjoy foods you don’t get to have that often.
If you’re going to enjoy food , choose “worth it” foods to have on vacation. Don’t just settle for a twinkie at a gas station, pick something that’s worth it that you love and don’t get to have everyday. What’s something that you enjoy on vacation that you can’t get at home?! For me, it’s Blue Bell Ice Cream down south or Uber Bagels in Ocean City.
As you enjoy these things, don’t just throw in the towel on your nutrition for the rest of the day! Be intentional to fill in the rest of the day with fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Enjoy your ice cream, enjoy your fresh salads and move on!
Don’t feel like you have to haul all your dumbbells on vacation to get a good workout. Keep it simple: Pack your exercise bands and use what you have around you! Look around- what can you use? Use a suitcase, a block or brick, some jugs of water. Get creative! And most importantly, incorporate time with your family into your workout. Get outside, take a walk on the beach, go hike, bike with your family. Vacations are about being with your family. Bring family into every aspect.
It’s time to be set free from stressing over macros and counting calories. Choose to celebrate the time being with your family. Enjoy making memories; whether it’s walking to go get ice cream or eating pizza on the deck with your family. Be encouraged this summer to look at the bigger picture. Above all else, do not feel guilty! One treat will not ruin your progress. Years down the road you’ll remember the fun time you spent together with family, NOT hitting perfect macros.