People often ask me what kind of music I run to, what gets me pumped. I listen to a wide variety of music, but I have a few key songs that give me a boost when I need it. Will.i.am's "Traveling Song" is one of them.
Speaking of "Traveling" and being "home":
I'm in Texas for the next 4 weeks. My parents were nice enough to fly me and my son out here for a visit. Thanks Mom and Dad!
Before I left Florida Charles asked if I was worried about gaining weight while being on vacation. I am not worried, my lifestyle changes are in place. They are the same no matter where I am.
Of course when you're visiting family and you're out of your own environment you're going to run into temptations that you wouldn't face at home. Those haven't ever set me back, in fact I typically manage to LOSE weight while on vacation.
I have one tip for staying healthy while vacationing:
PLAN AHEAD
Food:
Whether you're going on a trip to your family's house or a trip to the beach it pays to plan ahead. If you're at your family or friends house then come up with meals in advance and do some grocery shopping when you get in town. You can use it as an opportunity to introduce your family to new foods. If it's an extended trip then you can have everyone pick out one new healthy recipe to try and take turns cooking for each other.
If you're not near family/friends and are in a hotel you should still try to plan where you're going to be eating. Look online for reviews of good LOCAL restaurants. Skip the chains when you're in a new place. A lot of restaurants have their menus online and you can check out their healthy options before ever walking through their door. Knowing your surroundings in advance will keep you from hitting the drive through out of convenience. Also, try to keep healthy snacks like nuts and apples in your room and car. Having those on hand cut the urge to pick up that candy bar at the gas station.
Activities:
There is no better way to get to know a new city than by heading out for a run or walk. Again I think it's best to look online for good routes. You can also check with your friends/family or talk to your hotel concierge, they are a great source of information.
If you want to get the whole family involved the look for things to do that require MOVEMENT. Check out some caves,go swimming, go on a hike, go kayaking, even a trip to an amusement park means a lot of walking (just skip those tempting Dippin' Dots :). Before you head out for the day pack a cooler with water and snacks.
Have fun:
Vacationing is all about relaxing and having fun. There's no need to deprive yourself, if you want a special treat then go for it, just practice moderation. Ultimately, vacations aren't about the food you eat, its about the memories you make.
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This weekend we'll be camping which means two things for me: hiking and S'mores. One cancels out the other... .right? :)
(I've actually done a whole post about S'mores in the past: CLICK HERE)
And speaking of healthy food... ..(did you pick up on that sarcasm?)... I tried SUSHI for the first time yesterday. Turns out I LOVE IT! Yum! I can't believe I've gone twenty-ummm--something years without trying it.
Oh, and another bit of super exciting news: Apparently I wear a size SIX now. My mom surprised me with new jeans. I told her "Mom you go the wrong size, I'm an 8" and she said, "Try them on, I have a feeling youre a 6." Turns out she was right, so I'm super stoked to be sporting the sixes. (Hows that for alliteration? :) Hard to imagine that January of last year I could barely zip up a size 26.
How do you stay healthy on vacation?