Hi everyone!

Hope you all are doing great and enjoying Spring!!  This time of year is when a lot of people take some time to go on VACATION!!!  It’s one of our absolute favorite things to do!  Getting away for a while is a great way to relax and unwind, but as many of us know from experience can often lead to coming back with a couple of extra pounds that AREN’T from your luggage!  It can also be tough to get back in your gym routine after a few days of R&R.  I thought I’d share some helpful tips I use when we’re on vacation 3.that help me balance my fitness and nutrition goals with having some fun too!  We took an amazing Caribbean Cruise vacation last month, and these points helped me enjoy myself and stay on track.

1.) Realize it’s all about BALANCE!!! 

One of the best parts of any vacation is relaxing and spending time with loved ones, having fun, and eating yummy food!  Focus on enjoying the experience and not what you can/can’t eat, and realize that it’s okay to tone down the crazy workouts some.  BALANCE FRIENDS!!!  Eat dessert, order the wine, enjoy yourself!  I try to make healthy eating choices for breakfast, snacks, and lunch or dinner, but allow myself to enjoy a few bites of desert and a drink or two every day.  It’s all about moderation!  More on the workout piece in a bit.

2.) Drink alcohol in moderation

It might be fun to toss a few back, but the hangover the next day will NOT be fun!  I love a fruity drink by the pool or beach just as much as the next girl, but I don’t love the bloated, gross feeling that comes from over indulging or the horrible feeling a hangover gives you!  Enjoy your alcoholic beverages in moderation while on vacay, and you won’t have to worry about missing out on fun from not feeling well, and it will also save you THOUSANDS of calories!  Those delicious fruity/ frozen drinks can add-up quickly, so again, try to enjoy those in moderation when possible.  This tip will also save you some cash too!!  Drinks can add up quickly leading to a hefty bar tab!

3.) Enjoy some ACTIVE-ities!!!

My husband and I love to gallivant and sightsee when we travel.  Exploring is the name of the game!  We also like to do fun things like hike if there are caves, architectural sites, or natural tourist points to trek to and explore.  While we were in port in Falmouth, Jamaica on the cruise, we spent the day climbing the beautiful Dunn’s River Falls in Ochos Rios.  It was so much fun!  We also love theme parks and ziplining! Other great activities could be snorkeling, skiing, mini-golf, sports at your resort, whatever your heart desires!  These are all great calorie burners that get you moving and are sure to be a fun time for all!

4.) Plan to workout

At least pack some workout/gym clothes in your suitcase!  Even just a quick 20-30 minute lifting session, some cardio, or a circuit workout will keep you somewhat in your routine and easier to get back into the swing of things when you get back home.  My rule of thumb: 3 workouts if I’m gone for a week, one if it’s a shorter trip like a weekend.  This is easy to do if you have a gym on your ship or your hotel!  We worked out every day on the cruise, but when we were abroad for three weeks in Japan last year it was much harder to find gyms (they literally DO NOT exist there.  Thank god for the Ritz!) so we only worked out like three times.  Just make it a priority and make it fun—you won’t regret it!

5.) Pack some protein focused snacks and get as much protein as you can!

I love this one.  Our favorites: Protein powder and Quest Bars!  I never worry about carb intake on vacay, but really try to eat as much protein as I can.  Snacks can help you in a pinch if you get stuck in an excursion or in the airport too!  Protein is key.  It’s easy to get the fat and carb macros you need eating out on vacation, but the protein will keep you full and will help curb overindulging on some not so healthy foods.  Aim for grilled chicken, seafood, or fish when you can, and don’t be afraid or embarrassed to order a salad!

I hope these tips are helpful if you’re planning a fun trip anytime soon.  You’ll be so proud of yourself for sticking to your fitness and nutrition goals that it will make you want to take another vacay to put them to use!

Till next time,

-Mere