HOW TO HAVE VACATION VICTORIES

We've all been there. On vacation, trying to have a fun time but also trying not to destroy our healthy habits. Here's my take on how you can have vacation victories when it comes to your health.

First, you should sit down before you go on vacation and have a little bit of an idea of what your food options will look like. Are you going to be at restaurants every night? Will you be cooking your own meals? Fast food? Airport food? Then sit down and be strategic about what choices you will make in those situations,. If you know you're going to an amazing restaurant one night then make sure you reserve your unhealthy eating for that night. Who wants to order a salad entree when you can order whatever you want?

Then, try to view as many of the menus as possible of the restaurants you plan to eat at or that are in the area. Plan ahead of time what you will eat (in general). You should still focus on getting in raw fruits and veggies when you can. Many fast food restaurants have good salad options. This may be difficult to eat if you're driving so plan to stop for like 15 minutes so you can scarf down some good food. Sometimes it's just as easy to stop at a grocery store that's right off an exit and make your own salad at their salad bar, buy an apple or some pre-cut veggies and use that as your meal. If you need to wash produce, head to their floral department and ask to use their sink for washing. Most of the time you'll find a happy employee that's willing to let you wash your produce there.  If you have a Norwex fruit and veggie cloth and some water, you can wash your produce really easily anywhere you are. 

If you have the opportunity to cook for yourself for any meals, take it. Whatever you prepare at "home" is going to be healthier than a restaurant. Smoothies are a great "go to" on vacation if you have access to a blender. They're quick, convenient to take with you and will keep you full for hours if you make them right. I love the smoothie recipes by Kelly LeVeque. If you go to her website she has tons of free recipes for you to try. 

The other important thing to maintain while you're on vacation is EXERCISE! I know- not always easy. Schedule it in your day to make sure it happens. Even just getting in a good sweat for 20-30 minutes will help maintain your metabolism and energy while you're gone. It'll also prevent that loss of momentum that taking a week off of exercise while you're on vacation can do. 

Lastly, make sure you have planned a "refocus" plan for when you get back home from vacation. Write down your exercise and diet goals for the week you get back from vacation to get you back on track and into your normal routines.

Don't forget to have fun while you're on vacation. It's all about relaxing and enjoying the people you're with so you can refresh your mind and soul.