Every so often I post about travel and how I handle my program during my vacation. But as with anything in life, my philosophy on this topic has evolved over time. Generally I’m sticking to the same principals, but have tweaked them ever so slightly. If you’re familiar with the following post from last year at this time, then you’ll find a few updates as you scroll the page. You’ll also notice that my intro is exactly the same. I think it’s SO cool that it still applies 12 months later. My goal is to keep this post rolling year upon year with that same intro because my girls and I are so committed to making this trip happen! The recyclability of this post is a direct reflection of these treasured friendships.
I am so fortunate to have a fabulous female posse that I vacation with once a year. We’ve been nurturing this tradition for over a decade now, and I look forward to every fall because I know my girls’ trip will be upon me. And now it is!
In the past, I’ve approached these trips with the usual abandon. Good food, good drinks, good times. For this journey however, I’ll still be enjoying the latter, but definitely be monitoring the two former. Last year worked out great in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was able to really enjoy myself, and flow easily throughout the days with my food.
I also want to take this moment to express my immense gratitude for these incredible women who no matter what phase or fad I’m into at the moment, have ALWAYS loved and supported me for who I am and in whatever version of me I show up as.
RULE #1 SKIP THE WORKOUTS
This has become a pretty standard rule for me that works. While I’m home, I hit it hard on a pretty tight schedule and rarely take a break. My vacations are my breaks, and a body needs them from time to time. Additionally, I’m there to see some of my best friends on the planet. I don’t live anywhere near them these days, so I need that time to catch up and plug in by being present. If a few of us decide to take a hike, bodysurf or partake in whatever the locals are enjoying, I’ll usually go along. However, if I don’t feel like it then I don’t, simple as that. I find that granting myself a reprieve from the usual routine gets me itching to hit the gym once the vacation is over. Upon my return, I’m inspired to come back in a big and refreshed way. The only caveat is that I might try one of Bret Contreras’ lower body workouts because I am a little obsessed with glute activation right now, and I can do this with bodyweight and no equipment. Might.
RULE #2 AVOID FOOD OBSESSION
This is not to say that I obsess when I’m home, but I certainly keep a close eye on my nutrition. Everyone who eats in my house is aware of this, and is used to that fact. However, I tend to relax when dining with travel companions. It’s a bad idea to project rigidity on a girls’ trip. For one thing, it can bring a negative vibe to the otherwise upbeat mojo of the group. The gals I travel with have full-time jobs, and most have families with young children. These mamas don’t get out often, and they just want to let loose and have fun. No one is going to have much patience for anyone trying to suggest otherwise, and believe me, dominating meal plans is otherwise!
RULE #3 CHOOSE WISELY
Now, just because you’re not obsessing about your food choices doesn’t mean you have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. You may not be dictating every item on the grocery list and selecting every restaurant, but you can make wise choices within your given parameters. Order well most of the time, but go ahead and order some cheat meals too. However, practice portion control and don’t over do it for all courses. You can read more about this in Anatomy of a Cheat Meal. Offer up a few healthier items to stock the VRBO pantry and spring for the Skinnygirl margaritas. Last year I was still drinking alcohol, but this year will be very different in that I’m now abstaining from libations entirely.
RULE #4 SEND REINFORCEMENTS
There are a multitude of clean items you can pack in your suitcase or carry on to the plane. This is especially important because usually the only person on the trip wanting to eat every 2-3 hours.
- Nuts
- GoGo Squeez unsweetened applesauce pouches
- Fruit
- Tuna pouches
- Reduced Fat Triscuits
- Brown rice cakes
- Wasa multigrain crisps (cracker isle of most larger food stores)
- Protein powder, premeasured or in travel packets
- Dry oatmeal and a measuring scoop/cup
RULE #5 RELAX!
You’re on vacation to enjoy yourself, no? So let your hair down and live it up for a little while. Know that allowing yourself this time will enable you to return in a better form for yourself and those around you – recharged, reinvigorated, renewed. Bon Voyage!
What are your favorite clean travel foods? What are you eating challenges while on trips with friends and family ?