HEALTH & WEIGHT AT A STANDSTILL? MAYBE YOUR BRAIN'S STILL ON VACATION

Vacation is a time to unwind, relax, maybe embark on an adventure or two and definitely break free from the regular daily grind. Summer time has that same sort of vibe to it, even if the only place you got to this summer was the beach in your hometown.

Ever noticed how your mindset shifts when you’re on vacation? There's usually much less structure to your days, sometimes resulting in consistencies when it comes to those healthy habits you worked so hard to put in place. The idea of “letting loose” on vacation, although exciting at first, can often lead to choices that don’t align with your values and what “works” for you to feel good, physically, mentally and emotionally. It's what I like to call, "vacation mindset," and understanding it is crucial if you want to maintain your health goals without feeling deprived during your time away.

The vacation mindset is a mental shift that occurs when we choose, sometimes subconsciously, to step out of our regular routine. It’s the belief that you'll just hit the pause button and pick up where you left off when the vacation is over. We eat foods we wouldn’t normally eat, and more of them, miss workouts, raise a few more glasses, and generally make choices that we often regret when we the vacation is over. It’s easy to think, “I’ll get back on track when I get home.” , and if your vacations are of the infrequent, quick weekend getaway variety, you'll likely not notice any ill effects.

Head out for a few weeks, or months, on the other hand, and the stakes go up dramatically. Those small things you do, or don't do, consistently over time yield a huge result, good or not so good. Food fuels your body and it also fuels your soul and we do need both. Believe it or not, you can do both at home and on vacation, enjoy your time away and not compromise your health and weight goals.

While it’s absolutely okay to enjoy yourself and indulge in soul-fuelling foods, the problem with the vacation mindset is that it can lead to soul-fuelling only, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable, guilty, defeated and set you back on your health journey. The key is finding a balance that allows you to enjoy your vacation without completely abandoning your healthy habits.

When you’re at home and in your regular routine, is where you're most likely have a structure or routine of some sort that works to support your health goals. So if it works, take it on vacation with you. Swap the free-for-all vacation mindset that starts to creep in the moment we book a trip, for a, this-is-what-works-for-me-so-I'm-taking-it-with-me mindset. And take what you need with you to remain anchored and grounded in prioritizing health to continue to feel good.

We take our clothes, toiletries, electronics, currency, etc., things that we need from our permanent home to our temporary home, aka vacation spot, so why would we not take the habits, supplies, products, and routines too? Shifting the mindset from vacation, to simply being at home in a different location shifts perspective. You can absolutely enjoy your vacation without derailing your health and weight goals.

Set Your Intentions Before You Go: Before you head out on vacation, take a few moments to set your intentions. Think about how you want to feel during and after your trip. Do you want to feel sluggish, tired and stressed, or energized, relaxed, and refreshed? Setting clear intentions can help guide your choices and keep you aligned with your health goals.

Plan for Indulgence: Vacation is a time to enjoy yourself, and that includes indulging in foods you love. The key is to do it mindfully. Decide ahead of time which indulgences are worth it to you. Maybe it’s that amazing dessert you’ve been looking forward to, or a special meal at a renowned restaurant. Studies show that by planning for indulgence, you'll enjoy it guilt free and be satisfied with less of it.

Stay Active in a Way That Feels Good: Sticking to your regular workout routine may not be possible, but finding ways to stay active can actually enhance your vacation experience. Whether it’s walking on the beach, going for a hike, swimming, or even dancing, staying active helps you feel good, boosts your mood & metabolism, and helps with digestion.

Be Choosy: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and eat mindlessly simply because it's there. When you slow down, savor each bite, and make it a point to be choosy with desserts and treat foods, indulging in only your favourites or “must-trys”, you'll enjoy it without the guilt and avoid the holiday 10lbs that makes its way home with so many travellers.

Drink More Water: Regardless whether your destination is hot or cold, making water your go-to beverage helps to flush out the extra salt, sugar and seed oils you'll likely consume while away. Staying well hydrated also supports healthy digestion and keeps your energy up.

Be Kind to Yourself: When you overindulge or skip a workout, don’t beat yourself up. Remember that one meal or one missed workout won’t derail your progress. What matters most is how you respond. Instead of falling into an all-or-nothing mindset, remind yourself that your next meal is an opportunity to make a choice you'll be happier with.

For more information on how to use food to kickstart your metabolism at any age and wherever you are in your health journey, watch Tania's video.