I was scheduled to go on my first cruise with my sisters just thirty days after starting a new fitness program. As the cruise date approached, I started to feel anxiety about taking this vacation of a lifetime. I started wondering just how I was going to enjoy a vacation, especially one on a cruise boat where frequent dining was customary. I didn’t want to lose sight of my fitness goals or regain the weight I’d just lost. I decided the best course of action was a plan that supported my fitness goals but allowed me to enjoy my vacation. How did I do it? Here’s my three secrets for enjoying vacation without losing sight of fitness & weight loss goals.
1. Stay Focused on Your Why
You can balance having fun on your vacation with maintaining your weight loss goals. The key is to focus on why you want to maintain this balance. First, vacation is a time to relax, enjoy fellowship, try new things, meet new people, or maybe just get away from the day-to-day routines of life. If you allow anxiety to creep in because you’re worried about starting over or losing all your fitness gains, you’ll spoil the limited amount of vacation time you have to enjoy.
On the other hand, if you just go hog wild eating and drinking whatever you want and just hanging out in the sun with little activity, you might go home fearful to get back on the scales. So, give up anxiety. It serves no useful purpose. Focus on your vacation plans and fitness goals in a complementary way. Think balance.
2. Think Before You Eat
Try drinking water instead of caloric drinks. You’ll stay hydrated longer, spend less money, and take in no added calories. That’s smart!
Restaurant servings are much larger than they you need, so always ask for a doggie bag to take back to your room. Even better, share a meal with someone you love. Again, you’ll save money and calories.
Pass on desserts most days. If you’re on vacation, it’s easy to have an “I don’t care – I’m on vacation” attitude. Desserts can have hundreds (even over a thousand) calories on one dish! A little reservation in this area can help you at least maintain your recent progress.
3. Keep Your Body Moving
Whether you’re on a boat or on a beach, find a way to make sure your body gets some physical movement everyday. Pack a set of resistance bands if you have them. Even fifteen minutes per day will help you keep from moving backwards while you’re on vacation.
Other activities that you might try include walking, hiking, or biking. Allow activity to enhance your vacation experience. For example, instead of taking the Trolly Tour through a little tourist town, take the guided tour on foot. You might even see a few things you might’ve missed on the trolly. Get up early to take a stroll on the beach to watch the sun rise. Do a few yoga salutations with the sound of the ocean.
Enjoy your vacation while supporting your fitness and weight loss goals. Let these goals work together instead of against each other. Remember to stay focused on your why, think before you eat, and keep your body moving.
