If you’re anything like me, you make excuses really easy to not go to the gym or to stray a little too farm from your normal eating habits. This especially happens to me when I’m on vacation or travelling. It can be tough when you’re off your normal routine and not surrounded by your usual “go-to’s” for meals.
It is possible to stay on track while travelling, and part of that is really making use of what’s around you. A couple years ago my hubs and I travelled to Pittsburg and the hotel we stayed at offered complimentary yoga mats in the rooms. The temptation to get a quick flow in was too hard to ignore when the mat was starring right at me.
I was incredibly proud of myself when I travelled out west for work a few years ago. I was able to wakeup at 5am every morning just so that I could go to the gym. When my alarm went off I always had a moment of, “maybe I’ll just sleep in today” but after my workout I felt so amazing AND totally proud of myself. I left the gym with a huge smile on my face every morning. I wanted that feeling to continue, and that was enough motivation by itself.
Eating is another story… sometimes you’re stuck with less than healthy options, but there are adjustments you can make. I always look up smoothie shops, farm-to-take restos, etc. before I travel. Once you know where you’re staying, take a look online to see what’s around you. You might find an awesome vegan, GF bakery just down the street. Or ask friends and family if they know of any local gems.
OK, let’s breakdown the two biggies: Exercise and Food:
Exercise:
- For City Breaks, don’t underestimate the amount of walking you might be doing. Depending on where you are, public transit may be lacking (or just downright confusing) so walking to all the attractions in your guide-book might be the easiest way of getting around.
- A step counter is a great tool for City Breaks so you can actually see how much you’re walking on a daily basis.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, make use of the gym – I know this seems like an obvious one but it can be tough to get motivated in the mornings (especially if you hit your 20K step goal before 11am the previous day!)
- Lay out your gym clothes the night before and have everything ready for the morning. If you end up having to spend 10 minutes looking for your other sock or hair tie, you’ll quickly lose interest.
- If your Airbnb’ing it, search out local gyms in the area and see if they offer a daily rate or a short-term visitor’s pass
- Thing of the regular classes you take at home (spin, yoga, HIIT, etc.) and see if those studios have locations elsewhere and do a drop-in class
- Go for a run or jog outside – just make sure of the area and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Safety always comes first!
- Consider any activities you’ll be doing – maybe you’re taking a surfing or ski lesson. Those count too!
Food & Drink:
- Probably the hardest thing to deal with, TBH
- My motto while travelling is, “like like a local” and that means trying local foods, some of which may not be part of my regular diet but it’s all about the experience.
- You’re probably also eating later than normal. You want to sight-see during the day, so dinners are usually pushed back. Stick to simple meals like hearty, nutrient-dense salads with a side of lean protein.
- And let’s be honest, you might be drinking a lot more than normal (I may or may not have taken #roséallday a bit too literal one vacay…) Carry a refillable water bottle with you during the day to stay hydrated.
- If you’re renting an Airbnb (or similar), make sure of that kitchen! My hubs and I always rent an apartment when we travel to the south of France. We head to the local market, grocery store, butcher, etc. for amazing local, fresh foods.
- Hotels can be tricky. You’re limited to their menu most of the time and those buffets can be killer. Do you best to stick with lean proteins and veggies.
- Resorts, or anything with all-inclusive eating like cruises, are probably the worst in terms of temptation. I mean everything is literally staring directly at you. All day. Do your best to stick to the foods you normally eat and always think of how the foods you choose to eat make you feel.
**REMEMBER: at the end of the day, you’re on vacation and deserve a break. So enjoy your time away and plan to get back into your routine when you get home.
Oh Kells No 