If you are like me, traveling is something to look forward to and summer is the perfect time to travel as a young person. No responsibilities, just fun in the sun!
With weeks approaching to summer, everyone is determined to look their best, however once you have lost those few lbs it's so easy to gain them back. If this is the summer where you decide to not diet, but change your lifestyle, you know this is more than just losing weight or keeping the lbs off until that particular vacay. Changing your lifestyle is a commitment that very few can sustain especially during a vacation. If you are one of those few who are determined to continue to lose the weight while on vacation, I'm right there with you and have a few tips that have saved me from gaining weight, but in fact have continued to lose or sustain my weight.
Disclaimer: This is for those who are extremely determined to reaching goals, this is in no way, in any way encouraging girls or boys to restrict themselves from having a little fun on vacay, because we can all agree life is just too short to not enjoy the little things like delicious unique foods.
1) Bring a scale with you.
Before bringing one, ask your hotel if they have one, because they are inconvenient to bring. The idea of even bringing a scale with you will subconsciously keep you on track with your diet. Use it as you would, however often you would, but being knowledgable of your weight (especially when it's longer than a few days) can really save you some "yo yo effect" when you get back to everyday life.
2) Bring some of your own food.
This can be a little excessive for some, however if you know your family will be making pancakes with a bunch of sugary syrups, or you will be leaving straight from the hotel to the beach, bring those apples or easy foods that will allow you to be aware of what's going in your body unlike a muffin from a 7/11.
3) Plan out what your day looks like the night before.
Being prepared is one of the most important things you can do to be successful with ANYTHING in life. For instance, I like to fast for 16 or so hours a few times a week, with a small eating window. Some may disagree with this approach, but this works for me. So when my parents wanted to go to the wineries I decided I would not eat at all until my eating window was open. Personally once I start to eat, I will want to continue to eat. I swear my stomach can take in so much volume of food and not even feel full. Based off what I have experienced, instead of trying to eat what is at the wineries such as the pizzas, nuts, and cheeses, keep your self limited to certain eating hours. Fasting can be very healthy for the body and allow your body to use excess fat for energy, if losing weight is still your goal.
4) Go for walks before/after dinner.
I particularly go for runs or lifts in the mornings, but when I'm losing weight any sort of extra boost can't hurt. I like to eat around 6:30pm and by that time it's been a little bit of time since I have eaten, so I will get into a routine of doing a brisk mile while jamming to my music. By the time I get back I'm half as hungry. Also vice versa, if I eat and I'm still hungry, I will go on a 20 minute walk, because not only is being in the same room where the fridge is, a death sentence, your body usually needs around 20 min after eating to realize you're not really hungry anymore. Do your self a favor and stay away from the kitchen!
5) Be fricken proud of your lifestyle!
Own it! If your friends and family don't know you're on this lifestyle let them know! If they love you, they will support you, but having family know where you stand with your relationship with food, will help you and them to not tempt you to any bad foods.
Remember, vacationing doesn't have to be the end of your weight loss journey, it takes work, and a little extra patience, but you can still see results. Enjoy life, eating that cookie won't end your success, it's all about balance.
