Spring break is coming and with it a lot of traveling plans especially for those with kids. Going on vacation during anytime could potentially take us out of “our zone” when it comes to healthy habits. I know a lot of people who see vacation not just as time off from work but also from eating right and exercise. I get it, I don’t know many people who book a vacation destination based on the closest CrossFit gym, or someone who chooses a hotel based on its weight room. However, those of us who have worked hard to build a healthy foundation will benefit from not going completely “off” on our routine in order to not lose all that we have worked so hard to achieve.I want to give you some tips for you to stick to your healthy habits even while on vacation. Now, I don’t expect you to keep up your 5 times a week workout routine (I’m not THAT crazy) but I do think that having a game plan during your vacation will help you stay active and healthy. This way, when you come back home, you won’t be faced with regrets or worse, feel that you have to go on a crazy diet and over-exercise to make up for your time away. In addition, sticking with healthy habits will make it easier for you to get back to our usual routine when you get back.
If you are taking a road trip or vacationing in a place closer to home, pack quick snacks you can stash in a car or hotel room. Some examples of easy snacks are RX bars, protein powder and your shaker bottle, applesauce packets, some jerky, hard boiled eggs or turkey pepperoni. Having snacks in handy will help you stay full for longer. Also, with snacks you will avoid being super hungry and overeating when you stop to get food.
If you are not staying at an all-inclusive resort, go grocery shopping right when you get to your destination or pack your groceries. Try to have at least 2 meals in your hotel room each day. My favorite meals to prep are breakfast and lunch because you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make a balanced meal. It will also allow you to enjoy a guilt-free dinner. Since you are going shopping, don’t forget to grab some snacks as well. Bonus point: buying food that you can cook and eat in your hotel room will save you a ton of money. There are many hotels that will buy the food ahead of time and have it delivered to your room so you might not even have to worry about finding a grocery store.
If you are going to an all-inclusive resort, you might be tempted to load your plate with all of the yummy food available to you. Go into each meal with a game plan to stick to your habits as much as possible. The best way to achieve this is by sticking with the plate method. Try to make as many meals as possible a combination of vegetables (half your plate), lean protein (a quarter of your plate) and carbs (other remainder quarter of your plate). This way you know you are still feeding your body appropriately and will continue to feel great. This strategy also works with any meal whether in an all-inclusive resort, a regular restaurant or at home.
Most hotels have a weight room, allocate some time during your vacation to get moving. It doesn’t have to be a long workout, it is enough to get moving a few minutes a day. Trust me, it will me you feel great. You can also take advantage of the natural beauty of your destination by going out on hikes, or take long walks at the beach. The opportunity is there, you just need to seize it.
Ultimately, the point of a vacation is to unplug and enjoy time with your friends and family. You don’t have to schedule your time around workouts and you also don’t have to deprive yourself from treats during your time off. However, remember that you have worked hard to develop healthy habits and make fitness your lifestyle. This shouldn’t change just because you are away. Sticking to your routine as much as possible will even help you to enjoy the vacation more, knowing that you are not sabotaging yourself. If you need help coming up with a game plan for your upcoming vacation, or getting recommendations for at home workouts, talk any of the coaches at Celebration CrossFit. We are here to help.by coach Keren
