Written with love, by Nikki Lian
Is it really spring time already?! Whether our little, furry friend sees his shadow or not, we are all sick of the winter and long for those endless, sunny, summer days at the beach or laying by the pool. So as some of us look back on the last of the dirty snow melting away from the sidewalks and can finally sleep with the window open, visions of vacationing may dance in our heads.
And some of us even get to take a Spring Break! Planning to get away with friends or a significant other is so exciting, but can also be stressful, especially if you’re used to a certain healthy lifestyle. And if you’re not, then you’re probably not reading this blog anyway!! I’m speaking from experience here. Every time I go to visit my family in New York I enjoy all the carbohydrates Brooklyn has to offer, and it’s easy for me to let myself go and not feel so hot when I’m away from my everyday routine and among family and friends. So I compiled a few simple tricks that have worked for me when I’m away, and may help keep you feeling energized and on your A-game while you’re off on an adventure.
Bleudog Fotography
Enjoy a 20 minute Walk, Jog or Fitbreak
Twenty minutes straight is all it takes!! If you’re an early riser and all of your friends are sleeping off their hangovers, work it out before your morning coffee. I’m assuming wherever you’ve decided to travel the weather is phenomenal enough to enjoy a stroll or light jog outside. If not, you can do a 20 minute Fitbreak in the privacy of your own hotel room!! Circuit 15 reps of body-weight exercises such alternate lunges, squats, burpees, pushups and crunches. Repeat 3 times and you’ll feel amazing! Even if you’re used to an hour of intensity every day during your workouts, a short, physical activity is a great way to start your day. Now you can go get your lazy on by the pool.
Don’t Skip Meals
If you are used to eating your 5-6 small meals per day (or 3 meals and 2 snacks) and all of a sudden you’re indulging in breakfast buffets of 2000 calories or more, don’t skip your snacks. Although you may be overeating, you don’t want your metabolism to come to a halt. You also don’t want to crash from all the sugar you may have had. Keep up your energy with simple snacks such as protein shakes, a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit. And we all know if we arrive at dinner and haven’t eaten since breakfast those dinner rolls and appetizers will be calling our name!
Cut Your Alcohol Consumption
Did you really need that 4th shot of tequila or 3rd glass of wine? Of course you’re on vacation and shouldn’t have to worry about anything, but make sure you ask yourself why you’re drinking another beer or sugar-filled beverage.
Is it because you are hungry or thirsty? Drink some water or a diet coke.
Is it because someone bought it for you? Don’t be afraid to respectfully decline.
They don’t have to deal with the monster headache you will have the next day, but you do. Is it because you’re trying to keep up with your friends? Just remember how much better in a bathing suit you look then they do, and this may be why. Before you go out to the bar, try to have a plan for yourself. Nurse a drink, and chase it with a glass of water. Having water in between drinks will fill you up and slow down your alcohol consumption—and cut your caloric and sugar intake!
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate!
You should be taking in half of your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. If you’re soaking up the sun and drinking more alcohol than usual, you should be drinking even more than that. Your body depends on water to survive and every cell in your body needs water to work properly. If you’re not taking in enough, you can become dehydrated which can cause dizziness, dry mouth and even constipation. It’s hard enough to poop in a foreign bathroom; you don’t want to not be able to go! Carry around a bottle with you and drink up!
Protect Yourself!
I’m talking about your skin. Even if there are clouds in the sky or you plan to spend the day in the water, the sun rays are still hitting your body. Make sure you use enough sunscreen and reapply every couple of hours. Not only does it protect your skin from wrinkles and cancer, nasty sunburn is something you don’t want to be carrying the rest of your time on the island. And no, baby oil does not count as sun block.
Just remember, if you are looking to stay happy and healthy, fitness is a lifestyle. It’s hard to take a vacation from it, because it’ll throw your body out of whack.
So live the lifestyle.
I hope these easy tips will help you stay on track when you take that next vacation you completely deserve!
