My Secret To Enjoying a Healthy Holiday With No Restrictions
Imagine this; on holiday, early morning, a landscape of pure beauty, going for a run(or walk) when there are few people around (only other runners), the energy you absorb from others is contagious. Then maybe a dip in the sea (in your run gear), a fruitful breakfast and BAM! Your feel good factor is rocket high, you’re set up for the day in mind and body. This is my ‘must do’ holiday experience. Don’t get me wrong it’s tough, but it’s one of the things that keeps me motivated to stay healthy.
Now lets find your feel good factor…
Our routines get disrupted on holidays, we feel like we need to pause and sometimes neglect all the daily habits which serve a bigger purpose and make us feel good.
The irony is that being on holiday is intended to make us feel rejuvenated. It can contain good quality sleep, relaxing, exercising, eating nutritious food, spending time with friends and loved ones, having fun, trying new activities, adventure, learning, maybe writing is your thing.
If eating a lot is what you like, do it! Just be mindful of this; Calories refer to the energy you get from food and drink you consume. To maintain your weight the energy you use needs equal to that you consume. To lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit.
If like me, you find it difficult to resist temptations and eat 3 plates of food in the buffet, you can still do this by constantly weighing up what your body needs. This has taken me years to master, so I want to help you fast track and find your own balance when your routine gets disrupted.
My tips on exercise and eating well on holiday;
Keep hydrated - vegetables and fruits are also full of water
For breakfast, eat well, choose fresh foods before you delve into the big breakfast option (it will fill you up so you eat less of the heavier foods)
Rest - so your mind can switch off your body can relax (a stressed mind and body stores fat)
Be aware of how certain foods make you feel – especially when it’s hot, heavy foods will generally make you feel bloated and probably won’t make you feel sexy and confident in that bikini
It’s ok to eat a huge meal, you can level this out, by eating less later in the day or making an agreement with yourself that you will fit in some form of exercise (walking does count!)
Try new (nutritious) foods, the kind of ones that aren’t usually available to you, like fresh coconut, grilled fish, exotic salads – Think colours on a plate
If exercise makes you feel good, factor this in
Our bodies crave balance. Every decision we make impacts the life we aspire to live. Be realistic, love your body, talk to it as you would a best friend and feel free from having to do things a certain way. When you master your body nothing will disrupt your routine, it just might look a little different. Set yourself free and discover your different this holiday!