Hi guys! I’m back from a mini vacation to Chicago. I’ll do a full recap of what we did in the (very) Windy City, but today I wanted to chit-chat about staying healthy on vacation. My definition of what that means has evolved quite a bit over the years.
I used to drive myself crazy trying to stay “healthy” on vacation. Sometimes bordering on obsessive. And I know I’m not the only one guilty of this.
There seems to be this fear that you need to be healthy ALL the time. That healthy is an all or nothing thing, either you are or you aren’t.
Shifting my mindset
This vacation I didn’t drive myself crazy. I didn’t obsess about what I ate. I didn’t order salad when it was really pasta that I wanted.
Sure, I worked out while I was on vacation – I love getting to check out the fitness scene in other cities. But I didn’t wake up at the crack of dawn to sneak off to the hotel gym like I’ve done on vacations past.
Instead I hit up Barre Code. This popular studio has been on my radar for three years and I was SO excited to finally check it out. Another morning I met up with a friend from yoga teacher training for a KILLER Sculpt class at CorePower Yoga. I did these work outs because I wanted to, not because I needed to.
We also did a TON of walking each day. According to my phone we walked over 13 miles Friday. That’s A LOT, even for this New Yorker.
A Few Unhealthy days won’t kill ya
The truth is, a handful of “unhealthy” choices during a four day vacation is not the end of the world. What would have been more disappointing, in my opinion, is not getting to experience Chicago deep dish pizza… twice. Yes this lactose intolerance gal ate pizza twice – we planned it so that pizza was the end of our day in case I felt like crap afterwards. I’ll argue that it was worth any of the adverse reactions.
I never want my lifestyle choices to get in the way of enjoying vacation.
Healthy is not all or nothing.
Yes, I’m repeating this statement.
Instead of freaking out about all the unhealthy choices you’re making, focus on the small, easy things you can doing while traveling. My eating and workouts habits might’ve been subpar, but all was not lost. I drank a ton of water. Got a good night’s sleep over night. Opted to walk whenever possible instead of taking an Uber. These things didn’t take away from my Chicago experience — nor did they annoy the people I was traveling with. Jeremy and I agree that the best way to explore a new city is by foot so we both loved wondering around the city.
I know I’m speaking from my own experience — after all it’s the only experience I know intimately. My wellness journey is not focused on weight loss. Nor am I new to this lifestyle, fitness has been a steady part of my life since college.
But whatever your goals are — be it losing weight, getting stronger, running a half marathon — this is a reminder to cut yourself some slack. Enjoy vacation. Freaking enjoy the deep dish pizza if you’re traveling to Chicago [Lou Malnati’s is what’s up!]
Killer workouts and kombucha and Sweetgreen will be waiting for ya when you get home.
Your turn: What’s your opinion on staying healthy on vacation?
AMEN to this! I just wrote a similar post on eliminating the all or nothing mindset when on Vacation! I was just on a week long one the other week!
Great minds think alike!
YES! I’m totally aligned on all your thoughts. I used to go crazy on vacation thinking about how off track unhealthy habits were getting me, but now I know that balance is key and it’s more than okay to take a vacation as time to reset yourself. I also do a similar combo of eating whatever the F I want to experience a new place but fitting in workouts because I know they will make me feel better. BTW, what did you think of CorePower? I’ve been going a bunch in SF and thought of you–seems like a class you’d be great at leading since it’s a killer combo of yoga and more HIIT-type moves.
Lovedddd Corepower! I went to the new studio yesterday on the UWS.
couldn’t agree with you more!!! one of my favorite things about travel is trying new foods, so depriving myself of those experiences would leave me feeling like i missed out. i’m all about staying active, but it’s true, a few days of eating and working out however you want won’t kill ya! i always think, okay i’m going to be back into my routine in a few days anyway, so might as well enjoy myself while i can 🙂
It’s ALL about the food! Especially eating the famous food from different cities and areas. I find I crave routine (and healthier foods) once I’m back home.
I completely agree! A couple days of unhealthy won’t hurt! Great post!
It’s the truth!
Hey Kayla,
Found this post and I really agree with the idea of enjoying a vacation and not getting worked up with a strict regime. I actually found that when I’m on vacation and I relax, I end up getting stronger/losing fat depending on what my goals are at the time. Being health definitely requires enjoying yourself and being conscious of what’s best for you. Sometimes you even find yourself being healthy without trying due to the habit you built.
Glad you are spreading this message. Great post!
Agreed, it’s all about that balance.