How to Bounce back After Vacation

Due to the fact that it is summer time, and most people seem to go on some sort of vacation in the summer, I thought this would be a perfect topic to discuss. Not to mention, I just got back from vacation and used these tips in my own life this week. I am someone who thinks you should indulge a little on vacation. Eat some dessert, sleep in a little, do what makes you happy and what you might feel a little guilty about if you were otherwise not on vacation. 

Last week, it was Logan's birthday and I celebrated pretty hard. I made him 2 different cakes (one of which I didn't even take a picture of), and made yummy dinners and celebrated the whole week. Then, the day after his birthday we left for vacation. I wasn't on my normal eating schedule and definitely ate things I don't normally eat, especially not in those quantities. I ate a lot of 'snacky' food that was high is carbs and sodium, like chips and crackers. I ate way more red meat than I normally eat due to eating out and not having many options, I eat a unless burger at a lot of places (a safe food allergy option for me and easily customizable). I was eating much more sugar than normal with random candy, leftover birthday cake and some cookies. I even drank some lemonades, because I wanted to indulge. I will admit it definitely wasn't a free for all, and I felt like I actually controlled myself in most instances, but I still could tell my body wasn't loving it. My rings were starting to get a little tighter than before I felt and my face and feet felt a little puffy. I didn't stress out about holding on to some extra water weight and I did not have any guilt about enjoying myself. 

I got home on Sunday night and had a doctors appointment with my midwife the next morning, so I weighted before I went, just because I didn't want to be surprised and I knew that it would be a little heavier than I actually was. I was right and I was holding on to a few extra pounds of water weight. I was a little annoyed, just because I was going to the doc that day because I knew it would be gone in a matter of days, but oh well. It is what it is! I want to share this with you because I think a lot of people go on vacation and live a little. I don't think that's always a bad thing, I think all of the best things in life are balanced and your diet and mindset towards food should be one of them. I want to share with you how I get back on track and feeling my best after a vacation or even a weekend of not eating the best. 

1. The Grocery: One of my most favorite eating healthy tricks is that when I go to the grocery store, I just don't buy things that I know will tempt me to eat in an unhealthy manor. For instance, there were many years of my life where I couldn't handle having Peanut Butter in the house, because I had no self control. Well as a pregnant person, I am hungry all the time, and some weeks I will buy things to keep in the house that are a little more on the junk food side. Not this week! When you are trying to get back on track, start at the grocery store. Buy healthy snacks like fruits, and veggies and hummus. These things will give you the crunch you crave, but not derail you in case you go all crazy for your 2PM snack time. I also buy a ton of lean protein and veggies for dinner. I just make it more simple. I cook easy healthy meals that are low in sodium and high in fiber. One reason for this is because I always feel like my digestive system is out of whack after a few days of eating food I don't normally eat. Doing this helps a ton. 

2. Routine: Eat breakfast. Anyone who knows me knows that I drink a protein shake EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING. I think this has been going on for like 6-8 years now without much of an exception. I love the way they make me feel. They are packed with tons of healthy ingredients, and they keep my gut and digestive system happy. Im not saying you have to drink a protein shake, what I am saying is that it is very important for you to get back into your healthy routine. Going back to something that you are comfortable with and that makes you feel good is one of my keys to success. 

3. Water: This is applicable 365 days a year, but is a good practice when you feel bloated or not like yourself. Especially if you are someone who drinks alcohol on vacation or eats a lot of salty foods. I pay very close attention to my water intake and know if I am not drinking enough. Being dehydrated makes you feel crappy and I know that! I carry my water bottle with my everywhere I go, so I can keep a handle on staying hydrated! I have noticed how important it is even more so while I have been pregnant. I notice if I don't drink enough, I am more swollen and I feel a lot worse. My point is, chug that water and flush out your body! It will make you feel a lot better. 

4. Exercise: I am actually someone who exercises at least partially normal during vacation. Depending on what stage of life I am in, I like to be active most days. Whether I am going on a hardcore workout or I am just going on a hike or a walk, I like to do something. I suggest you do the same! It counteracts some of the gluttony and reminds you what it feels like to move yo body! If you don't workout on vacation, I would suggest getting home and getting right back into your routine. Whatever way you choose to exercise, don't let vacation be a week that gets you off your game for very long. Once you get back home, don't let vacation habits follow you. 

These are the things I do in my own life to ensure that my body bounces back after some vacation treats! I felt better after literally one day of being back on my normal schedule and it's as easy as that. Keep healthy food in your house, drink tons of water, get back into your routine, and get your sweat on!