I'm sure we've all said it before or at least thought it before: "I can eat/drink/do whatever I want because I'M ON VACATION!" So.....if you had been working really hard to build a routine, shed some fat, start good habits--WHAMMO-- you are completely blowing off everything you've been working for and potentially setting yourself back to square one. AGAIN. We all know it- how many times have you had to start over in this journey of health and fitness? It's a cycle that nobody wants to repeat. If you already aren't in the shape or mindset that you want to be in, do you think the "I'm on vacation" mentality is going to help you or set you farther back? I think that if you aren't where you want to be....technically, you ARE on vacation- vacation from taking care of yourself! I'm sorry, but eating an entire pizza by yourself, smiling, and saying, "It's vacation" doesn't work for me and it shouldn't work for anyone.
I went on vacation this summer and it was a fabulous 10 days. I unwound and relaxed enough and even had fun! (AND rode in the vehicle for many, many long hours!) BUT, I also planned ahead. I thought, "Where will I work out and doing what for how long?" We packed a cooler lunch every day where I could control the menu. I ordered wisely when we ate out. We had water with us to drink at all times. Heck, I even had pizza and ice cream. But, I also brought my jumprope, my Gymboss timer, and a cable band with me (AND USED IT!). I was prepared.
I didn't blow it. I wasn't perfect. And then, I came home and grocery shopped, planned, and hit the weight room ASAP. Boom, back into a routine and headed toward my goals.
So, if you are headed out of town for that much needed break, think about what you want. Think about what you will do. Do you want to maintain your weight? Will you gain 5 pounds and care/not care? Will you be lazy? Whatever it may be, call it what it is. Vacation is supposed to be about having a good time with those you are with. See new things, do new things, unwind. Have fun.
Just remember that "I'm on vacation" can = excuses and self-sabotage. AND it's too easy to let "vacation habits" continue when you get home. So......after all of this, what will happen while YOU are on vacation this year?
