Hello, bonita! Let’s talk about vacations! I just came back from mine and thought it would be the perfect time to share a few strategies that I use when I’m on holiday. If you want to enjoy your vacation without letting go of your health goals, these tips will help you strike that balance. Because, after all, it’s my job to help you stay healthy and happy!
Rule #1: Enjoy Your Vacation
The number one rule—actually, the only rule—is to enjoy your vacation! If you’re not having fun, it’s not healthy. Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, so don’t stress about what you eat or do. Remember, it’s not what you do during your vacation that matters most, but what you do the rest of the year.
It’s the habits you follow in your daily routine that determine your long-term health. So don’t worry if you indulge on vacation—just make sure your day-to-day life is balanced and nourishing.
Keep It Balanced Year-Round
A healthy lifestyle isn’t about restrictions or complicated diets. It’s about balance, and that applies both during your regular routine and while on vacation. Try to eat whole foods, cook at home when possible, and make healthy choices most days. This way, when you go on vacation, you won’t feel guilty about indulging.
A common mistake is to blame holidays for ruining progress, but it’s important to remember that a few days or weeks of indulgence won’t undo a year of balanced living. The real issue is when poor choices become your routine, not what you eat during special occasions.
Prep Before You Go
If you’re planning a vacation, the key is to prepare your body and mind ahead of time. In the weeks leading up to your trip, stick to your healthy habits even more diligently. This doesn’t mean compensating by eating less or working out more—just keep up with your regular routine. Avoid those little exceptions and indulgences before your vacation, because you’ll have plenty of time for those during your trip!
Don’t Compensate
Here’s something I want to emphasize: never try to compensate. Don’t eat less the day before a big meal or try to over-exercise because you know you’ll be indulging later. Stick to your routine, eat balanced meals, and never deprive yourself of nutrients before a vacation. Your body needs to be strong, healthy, and energized for your trip.
If you try to lose weight too quickly before a vacation, you’ll lose muscle mass and energy, which you’ll need for all those fun vacation activities. Plus, when you lose weight rapidly, your metabolism slows down, making it harder to bounce back after indulging. So, promise me—no extreme dieting before vacation!
Keep Moving
Movement is one of the easiest things to maintain while on vacation. If you’re traveling to a new place, chances are you’ll be exploring, walking, and staying active without even trying! Even if you’re planning a relaxing getaway, make sure to incorporate some light movement—whether it’s a morning walk on the beach or a simple yoga session. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement each day, and you’ll feel great without needing to overdo it.
Fuel Your Body Right
Of course, indulging is part of the fun of vacation. But to help balance that, try to start your day with protein. A breakfast rich in protein will set you up for success, helping you make better choices throughout the day. Protein helps keep you energized, supports your mood, and curbs those cravings, so you don’t go overboard with treats later.
As always, don’t forget to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget about drinking enough water when you’re out of your regular routine, but keeping a water bottle with you and staying on top of hydration is essential for feeling your best. Set reminders if you need to!
Stay Present
Perhaps the most important tip for enjoying a healthy vacation is to stay present. We live in a world full of distractions, especially with social media and work emails constantly vying for our attention. When you’re on vacation, take the time to disconnect. I like to turn off notifications, check emails only once a day, and give myself permission to not think about work.
Use your vacation as an opportunity to be present with your loved ones and create lasting memories. After all, your best memories likely come from vacations or gatherings with family and friends. Make the most of this time to be fully present in each moment.
Final Thoughts
So, bonita, those are my tips for enjoying a balanced and healthy vacation. I’d love to hear your own strategies! Let’s share our tips and support each other. And if you’re not planning a vacation just yet, I’d like to invite you to join my free 7-day challenge. We’ll focus on changing one small habit each day, and by the end of the week, I guarantee you’ll see amazing improvements in your life. You can sign up at LucianaWellness.com/challenge.
Until next time, enjoy every moment and stay balanced, bonita! 💛
