One of the most common questions I get is: how do I maintain a healthy lifestyle on vacation or over a holiday? Since I am on a plane to Chicago to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, I thought it was fit to answer this question for the masses.
Now I think that by this time it is clear that I LOVE food. I always have, always will. However, I have developed a love for food that is healthier and more satisfying than some of the other foods I used to love. I was the pickiest eater growing up. If it didn't have cheese or it wasn't a hot dog, French fry, or potato chip, I wasn't going to eat it. I had a boyfriend in college that told me I need to start trying other foods or it wasn't going to work out, and well, I liked him, so I started trying different foods. I never thought I would love grapefruit, figs, sushi, and tomatoes, like I do now. The thing is, once you change your palette, the things you used to think were magnificent become, "eh, that wasn't that great."
Somehow, when I am on vacation or at a celebration, there are times where I forget how my tastes of food have changed. I forget about a healthy lifestyle, and I go balls out because I am on vacation. Duh! It's usually not until the trip home, that I start to regret my choices. Now, before I order or eat food, I ask myself, "is worth it?"
So how do you stay on track during these obstacles that come up in our journey towards a healthy lifestyle? The following are some eating guidelines when traveling or attending a BBQ or a party.
Traveling:
1. Are you traveling somewhere that allows you to bring snacks or quick meals?
- Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean that you don't have time to snack. Fruit, nuts, bars, allow you to remain satisfied between meals. This is especially important for when you are traveling since you tend to eat out more. Having your normal healthy snacks will allow you to eat less during those bigger meals. Quick meals for breakfast like oatmeal or yogurt allow you to start your day off with a healthy mindset that will help keep you balanced throughout the day. If your hotel has a continental breakfast, fuel up with oatmeal, a healthier cereal, a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter, and/or some fruit!
2. Are you planning on eating out every meal?
- If you are planning to eat out every meal, then pick one meal a day that will be your splurge meal. This means that you can eat whatever you want for that meal. So if your splurge meal is dinner, you will choose something healthier for breakfast and lunch, and allow yourself to have lasanga for dinner in Little Italy. This way you don't feel deprived, and you may surprise yourself and not even want to splurge!
3. Are you able to workout?
- I know, I know, you're on vacation, no one wants to workout on vacation! When you workout in the morning, it tends to set a healthier outlook on the rest of your day. So I know it is crazy, but what if you used the hotel gym a couple mornings that you're traveling? Or what if you went on a morning walk or jog to sightsee in a different way? Plus working out can be freeing, I love starting my day with a good workout! It will help you stay stress free AND healthier while traveling!
4. Are you overeating?
- Oftentimes when we are on vacation we tend to gorge ourselves because well, were on vacation. A vacation isn't a pass to overeat. If you are not used to eating out for every meal, or eating out at all, restaurant meals that tend to be heavier and fattier will fill you up quick, but sometimes it is hard to stop eating. In order to help overeating, along with having your snacks, split a meal with someone. If you think you are really hungry, split a meal with someone and order a side salad to start. This is a great way to make sure you don't overeat, plus there aren't any leftovers to worrry about.
BBQ/Party:
1. Have you been asked to bring something to the party?
- This is a blessing in disguise! When you are asked to bring something to the party, you know that at least one thing will be healthy! Bring your favorite healthy side dish, salad, or lean meat, no one needs to know it is healthy! If you aren't asked to bring something, offer!
2. Is this party a lunch or dinner party?
- I see, and have been a culprit of putting off eating so I can gorge myself at a festivity. (Mainly Thanksgiving!) This could be one of the worst things you do to yourself for many reasons:
1. When you eat small meals more often, it keeps your metabolism going, which helps you breakdown your food quicker. When you starve yourself, you are slowing down your metabolism, and when you do eat, your body is more likely to store more fat in fear that it won't eat again for a long time. Both are not good outcomes.
2. When you starve yourself all day, you tend to overeat when it is time to eat. You are so hungry that your mind doesn't want you to stop eating and can't recognize that you're full, then you get the roll me out of here feeling.
3. Also when you starve yourself, things that would never look or seem appealing to you now all look like your favorite food. Later on after you have already eaten it and you are recapping what you ate, you remember that you don't even like potato chips.
For these reasons, eat like you would normally, before you go to a BBQ or party. Have breakfast, lunch, and your snacks; starving yourself is the last thing you want to do!
3. Are there appetizers or a snack table before the main course?
- Over the years I have learned that in most cases I am going to want to engage in the appetizers, but I have learned how to appetize appropriately! ;) When you are ready to snack, grab a small plate, allow yourself one plate of appetizers, and no not a heaping plate, a public appropriate plate. Once you have finished your plate, throw it away. Do not stand around the snack table, do not get another plate. You will be satisfied, but you will have to walk away so you are not social eating.
4. Are there fruits and veggies?
- If the spread contains fruits and veggies, always fill most of your plate with them and your protein first, save some room, and allow yourself a spoonful of other goodies you want to taste. That way you get a taste of mac n cheese but you didn't fill up half your plate with it.
Remember - Do NOT go back for seconds. Usually seconds are only eaten because you are social eating at that point, you aren't even hungry still. Grab some water instead! Or wine... ;)
Last, if there is dessert, allow yourself a special treat. If you are between two things, cut the items in half and share them with someone else. That way you get a taste of everything without having everything stay on your hips or stomach!
When it comes to drinking, stick to wine or champagne, or a vodka tonic/soda water with lime. These are the most calorie appropriate drinks you can drink. (If you must, have a light beer, but try not to avoid beer if possible!)
So now you are ready to travel or attend a BBQ/party and still maintain your healthy lifestyle! May the force be with you!
Happy Labor Day Y'all!
Peace & Love,
Christina :)
