We ALL know the person I am talking about; you just roll out of bed, pour yourself a cup of coffee and wipe the sleep from your eyes when you walk out to the balcony and see 450 people running by smiling like it is the best day of their lives. "Are you SERIOUS!? We are on vacation people!!" So you walk back into that beach house, pop the champagne and let that first taste of mimosa erase the thought of those happy beach runners! But this year is different for you, you've spend the last few months working on cultivating a consentent gym schedule and a balanced approach to your nutrition and now you've got that first big vacation planned.
First of all, I GET IT. When you think of the work you've put in already you are immensely proud. There is safety in the schedule you've developed. Now you are looking down the barrel of a few days with your normal routine gone and you are scared. You also have a number of vacations under your belt where you've come home not feeling your best. This is a valid and normal position to be in. I've got your back.
Let's break this down a bit and see if we can find that balance you've been working so hard to achieve. Prior to your vacation I want you to list all of the things that are non-negotiable about going away. Is it breakfast at your favorite spot? A morning mimosa? Dinner at this new restaurant? A certain dessert you can only get there? Whatever those non-negotiables are they are set in stone. You will not miss out on them and therefore you can remove the "guilt" you might feel over that decision.
Now I want you to look at the activities you have planned for your vacation; is there already built in movement? Maybe you are going to Disney so there will be A LOT of walking. Maybe the beach and you'll be chasing the babies up and down the beach? It is okay to take a break from the gym/organized exercise and enjoy time in a new place. You won't lose every gain from 7 days off BUT we know that daily movement helps your body feel better. Find a time in your vacation for daily movement that FITS IN with what you are already doing.
Lastly, the question "Is it worth it?" will come in handy big time during this vacation. Asking yourself this question helps to eliminate that "guilt" because you've decided YES I do want this and it is WORTH it. If you've been working on balance then you know saying "no it isn't worth it" doesn't feel like restriction but just a simple decision. Easing your foot off the food tracking app will allow you time and space to put into practice all the behaviors you've been working on. Tracking food can be a tool but it shouldn't be the ONLY tool you use.
Here's to finding more balance in your life and enjoying that vacation you deserve!
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