Glutton for Punishment
I once heard a co-worker talk about how excited she was about her upcoming family vacation. The main attraction she beamed; the all you can eat fried seafood buffet.
How many times have you or someone you know purposely lost weight before vacation, only to go on holiday to deliberately gain it back? I call this a gluttonous vacation—a planned get-a-way with the greedy and insatiable intent to eat excessively.
By design, a vacation should be a time to relax with family and friends. When you return you should be rejuvenated and restored and better able to cope with the stress of life. When food becomes central to fun, there are natural consequences. The retreat to be refreshed turns into the added stress of unwanted pounds that have settled in the wrong place—just in time to return to work or school.
As summer approaches and you begin to plan your escape from the mundane, here are some tips on how to do it without substantial gains in the gut.
1. Choose to eat only two meals each day. It is likely you will be eating enough calories in those two meals to sustain you. Eat what you want, but avoid snacking in between. Vow to be moderate not miserable!
2. Drink lots of water, especially if you imbibe in spirits. Carry extra water bottles with you everywhere you go and stay hydrated all day. If you get hungry between meals, down 12 ounces of water before you impulsively grab a fatty snack. Water is filling and will keep you hydrated and satisfied.
3. Pack workout clothes. Even if you are not planning on exercising, bring proper attire just in case. Oftentimes hotels or resorts cater to fitness fanatics and have upscale gyms and spas that you may want to check out. If you are traveling with children, tennis and swimming is also a great way to burn some extra calories.
4. Plan activities that require walking. Touring a historic town or visiting the zoo will keep you busy and active while enjoying the sights. Look for trails or parks and spend some time in the fresh air. Any destination within a mile from your hotel is walkable—no exceptions. Map your route on your smart phone. It will notify you if conditions are not conducive to safe walking.
5. If you want to indulge in a sweet treat, make it a meal. Have a regulation sized banana split or other favorite dessert for lunch or dinner. The calories in a heavy dessert are likely equal to a regular meal.
6. Make the focus of your vacation something other than food. If you are on a cruise ship, go to the shows. If you are at Disney, take in as many theme parks as you can—and not in a motorized chair please!! If you are at the beach, play in the surf and sand every day.
Let me be clear—I eat with less attention to nutrition and am much more indulgent when I am vacationing. In fact, my family makes fun of the way I throw caution to the wind ordering food out that I would probably never eat at home. I also skip an occasional meal and exercise more on vacation—which makes eating and drinking without guilt possible.
Getting away can be a healthy way to manage the stress of life. Also, vacationing is an ideal way for families to spend quality time together that is sometimes only possible away from home.
On your next break, plan to be active, use some self control and arrive home refreshed and rejuvenated.
For comments or questions email: suzannemcginnis@me.com