All good things must come to an end, even vacations. I don’t know about you, but when I take a break, I really tend to let loose. I want to try all of the new foods and treat myself. This includes eating desserts, having a few more alcoholic beverages, and eating my favorite typically off-limits foods like burgers, fries, pasta, and ice cream. While everyone should feel free to indulge while away, I find that having a plan for getting back on track after the vacation ends often makes returning home a little easier.
Stay Healthy on the Trip
Although I will always be the first person to plan an amazing culinary experience on a trip, I understand that balance is required. If I know I am going to indulge, I try to start my day on the healthier side with some fresh fruit or a veggie omelet. On our recent trip to Florida, our very first stop was for breakfast straight from an early morning flight and I made sure I had a spinach and cheese omelet to fuel me for the rest of the day. I paired it with a fresh watermelon mimosa, because, well…vacation. But I did not have anything further to eat until later in the evening and after I had spent a significant amount of time walking. If you are able to join a yoga class, walk on the beach, or even work out at the fitness center in your hotel, a little can go a long way for the return home.
Remain Guilt Free on Your Trip
A vacation is a time to relax and not worry about things and this includes what you are eating. It does not mean you should consume double orders of your favorite items or load up on extra fries, but it does mean you should try to enjoy every moment of your time away. Even if you do gain a little weight, this is totally okay and can easily be reset upon return.
Return to a Normal Schedule and Activities
Getting back into the swing of things can be hard, but if you set a normal schedule and get right back to it, it will be easier to build in exercise and healthy eating. For me, I went right back to walking 5 miles and getting up early in the mornings and drinking water. For my meals, I decided to make a few healthy salads with a lot of vegetables and lean protein. One day I made a tuna salad with capers and the next, I had one with kale and chicken. I also made turkey meatballs for dinner and added spinach to the mix and served them with a side of roasted cauliflower. Another breakfast was a healthy homemade granola that I made in my oven and served with blueberries and almond milk. Eventually, I will add back to my evening weightlifting exercises to fully add a healthy exercise routine that is well rounded.
Drink More Water
I am not as good at drinking water as I would like, but I try to down as much as I can each day. When I need something more flavorful, I aim for iced green teas at Starbucks and a sugar free iced tea or sparkling water with lemon. I reserve weekends usually for alcoholic beverages and when I indulge, I usually only drink red wine or prosecco/champagne with a touch of fresh grapefruit. Occasionally, I will have a skinny margarita or vodka soda, but I rarely drink anything that does not include something bubbly or citrus in the cocktail.
Getting Back in the Swing of Things at Work
Sometimes the hardest thing to do after a vacation is to shift your relaxed mindset back to work. I returned to nearly 200 emails in my inbox, even after I put on an out of office notice, colleagues handled responsibilities while I was out and we pre planned work on some regularly scheduled activities. When you are in a role that requires wearing a lot of hats, sometimes it is very hard to get away even for a few days. But the truth is that people survive just fine without us. The world continues to spin on its axis and the sun rises and sets without our efforts to sell beverages, master the intricacies of international shipping or in my case, communicate about the wonders of human genetics. If anything, my team seemed happy to have a few days of not hearing from me! It’s a good reminder that we are all only a small piece of a wheel that keeps on turning.
Don’t Give Up
The most important thing is not to give up and to start your days after your vacation with a new refreshed vigor to take on the days ahead and maintain your goals – whatever they may be. A healthy body is simply not possible without the benefit of a clear and focused mind. My week back has not been easy, but I have continued my resolve to be the best I can be for everyone around me, but most importantly – for myself.
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