Can we all agree that sticking to our healthy habits while on vacation is hard??
Yes, in theory, going on vacation means we stop worrying and just enjoy our time, but what if I don't want to. What if my type of relaxation includes sticking to working out and making yummy healthy meals?? Go ahead and judge away, but I can assure you my trips never lack in enjoyment.
That right there, my assumption that I will be judged or "shamed” for my choices, is the first huge block when deciding to stick to healthy habits. You guys, health shaming is absolutely a thing. Think of any family gathering, or dinner with friends you've been to in the past, where you set the intention to “eat healthy”… What were the reactions you received as you said something like:
“I’m getting the salad”
“No thanks, I’m sticking to my macros tonight”
“Do you know if there is anything dairy free / gluten free here?”
“I actually brought my own food”
*Insert iconic “why can’t you just be normal” eye roll feeling you get from oh so many friends & family*
Now I’m not here to shift shame. I just find it important to note and make clear that making healthy choices is NEVER something to feel shameful of. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt “difficult” or “picky” when I go against the grain for sticking strong to my choices, but I will not stop doing what makes me happy.
One could imagine that going on an extended trip usually with others who don't share the same mindset, is not the easiest. So what do we do?
MOST IMPORTANT: Do whatever makes you happiest and feel good. This could be a number of things…
Happily Indulge through the trip, and enjoy every second.
Happily Indulge through the trip, enjoy every second, and have a set plan to get back to your healthy habits when you get home.
Happily Indulge mildly, stay active and enjoy every second.
Create a plan to stick to your normal healthy habits, happily avoid indulgences and enjoy every second.
On this trip, I’d say I was somewhere between #2 #3 and #4. No choice is wrong NOR is it permanent, so whatever you do, keep the mindset positive and ENJOY YOUR VACATION.
So lets get to the good stuff…what were my travel essentials??
Positive / Healthy Mindset
Plant Concentrates: CRUCIAL. Traveling in general can be hard on our bodies, so I usually double up on my plant concentrates while traveling. Also helps put my mind at ease, knowing I am getting 30+ fruits, veggies and berries every day (60+ if I’m doubling up)
Quick Grocery Trip (As soon as you get there): Ideally where you are staying has a full kitchen, but modify as needed if not.
Mix of 2-3 veggies: I chose to go one lazy step up from my ideal situation, and got a prepackaged bag of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. I cut them up and put them in my eggs every morning.
Mixed of 2-3 fruits: Again, I went pre cut / packaged mix of mangos, pineapples, strawberries and blueberries and we had apples / bananas as well!
Eggs: Of course depending on your dietary preferences, eggs may not be ideal.
Mixed greens: True life, I add greens to everything. Especially if you plan to get any “carry-out” salads, I highly recommend chopping up and adding additional greens. The typical restaurant lettuce is lower in nutrients and not always the “liveliest”.
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: I used this as a non dairy coffee creamer, and mixed with my plant based protein for midday shakes.
Plant Based Protein: I take the travel packs with me everywhere. If I am on the go, I prefer to know what I’m fueling my body with. It helps me increase my fiber and protein intake and adds another 14+ plants to my day.
Healthy snacks: I normally do not snack at home, but go wild on vacation. I’m sure my choices were not THE best, but they allowed me to comfortably indulge.
GF Pretzel Chips: great with salsa or hummus or just on their own.
Wholesome Medley: This stuff was SO good. I made sure to look at all my options and pick the one with the least amount of sodium (packaged nuts tend to have tons of added sodium so I normally avoid), good variation of nuts, and a sweet element (dried cherries and chocolate bits).
Reusable Water Bottle: This one has taken me a while to catch on, and I regret every plastic bottle I’ve thrown away. This not only is a proactive environmental choice, it also helps make sure you are drinking ample water. No excuses, keep it full and always handy!
Exercise: This will depend on what level is plausible for your trip. I did not have access to a gym, so I chose to modify.
Mindset that even walking on vacation counts as exercise.
Resistance bands: I used these within our apartment and by the pool.
Tennis Shoes: Allows the option of going on walks or runs, although I enjoyed a few barefoot walks on the beach.
Hopefully this has helped empower you to make whatever ((healthy)) choices that make you happy on vacation!!
xo Megan
