4/4/11

Healthy Living on Vacation

With just a few days to go before my trip to Cuba I am definitely getting excited about the fun in the sun, lounging on the beach, mojitos at the swim up bar, buffet breakfasts everyday and late nights at the disco, the lobby bar or dancing it up at Cynthia's wedding.


















Yes, vacations are great for getting away from it all. But does all mean all, as in a healthy lifestyle?

I say no but with an explanation:

Yes I plan to seek out healthy eats like fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. That said if there are croissants at the breakfast buffet I am all over that like bees on a honey comb baby!

Yes I plan to work in some physical activity like running on the beach and playing volleyball and I may even hit the resort's gym a few times but I am not doing any of this at the expense of fun or a mojito. I rarely drink alcohol or choose to unnecessarily skip a workout in regular life so its my time to indulge a little.

Yes I plan to relax and de-stress and come back feeling rejuvenated. There's no ifs, and or buts about this one. Its a priority.

In short I am not going to abandon my lifestyle completely when I'm away but I am also going to enjoy myself and not worry about calories consumed or kilometres ran. For those 7 days I am Sam the Vacation Edition! I can not wait to get started

Now to make sure I leave room in my suitcase for these guys



















 And convince this guy that he's gotta sit this trip out




















Sorry Lil' Piglet but someone has got to stay back and keep The Boyfriend company while I'm gone


4 more sleeps!!

So tell me, what are your thoughts on healthy living while on vacation? Do you keep up with your regular eating habits and exercise routine while you are away?

16 comments:

  1. One of my favorite things about vacation is trying new restaurants that I normally don't get to eat at, so I am all about indulging guilt-free. That being said, I usually balance it out with lots of activity and walking. By the 5th or so day though, I'm ready for healthy eating again :)

    Hope you have a blast in Cuba!

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  2. I think you have a great attitude going in.
    When we went on our cruise in November, I knew what I wanted to do.
    I wanted to have a lite breakfast and lunch and indulge at dinner and have some wine.
    I went to the gym when I could, and even ran a few times but all in all I enjoyed myself. I did not count calories, and if I really wanted it I had it. I worried when I got home ;-).
    I hope you have a great vacation!

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  3. Generally I'm okay with being more relaxed during vacation....although strangely enough I enjoy working out in hotel gyms! lol

    I'm convinced it feels like an extra luxury!!!

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  4. Honestly, when on vacation my normal routines are out the window. I try to make healthy choices, but when I see something fabulous on a menu, I'm all over it!

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  5. Looks amazing! You can find new and exciting ways to exercise on vacay. And, reading by the pool totally counts!

    Enjoy your time away!!!

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  6. I think it's important to have a good time on vacation. That being said I allow myself to indulge more than normal while I'm on vacation. It's not often that I get to get away so it's important for me to really enjoy it. Have a great time!

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  7. For me it depends on how long I'm going to be on the trip. If it's 3 days or less, I say screw it & have fun without worrying about your diet or fitness routine (thinking that only 3 days isn't going to do THAT much damage). But if I'm gone for 4+ days, I know that's long enough (for me) to let a little fun turn into a habit. So for longer trips I try to stick to a routine that is as close to my "normal" as possible.

    Hope you have a wonderful trip!

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  8. I follow a philosophy similar to yours on vacation. I definitely indulge more than I do at home (i.e. a snack on vacation is sometimes a glass of champagne versus a fruit & almonds), but because I'm trying to lose weight, I still keep things under control. I don't view vacations as an opportunity for a binge fest (I used to, in the past), and I also try to get in some exercise, so I don't come home feeling like a slug.
    Have a great trip!

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  9. I eat pretty well on vacation - pretty much vegetarian eats with lots of veggies + self packed snacks when I remember them!

    but my workouts vanish! whoops!!!! I'm so bad at that! I pack my sneakers just in case but usually i'm so distracted and excited to explore and catch up with friends and family that I "forget"

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  10. Have fun! I alo try to stick with fruits and veggies and lean meats but I do go to the dessert section and see what looks good....heck I am on vacation ;) I like to get up early and go for a run on the beach, its so peaceful!

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  11. I think my attitude is very similar to yours - I want to enjoy the foods I really want, but at the same time I know I wouldn't feel great if I didn't exercise at all and ate nothing healthy. But if I'm walking or swimming a lot on vacation, I don't worry about fitting in formal exercise. Lots of time for that once I get back!

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  12. I have not been on vacation since we started eating much healthier. We are actually going camping next weekend, on an island, with not electricity what.so.ever. I haven't decided what I'm going to do about working out yet. The island is about 1/4 mi. long, if that and there are train trussels on either side. Running is not even an option. Might have the Hubster take me to land via boat so I can run, then pick me up later. Eating is going to be a challenge for sure. I do plan on taking easy veggies that don't have to be cooked (broccoli) and lots of fruit. (We will have coolers with ice so everything can be kept cold.)

    Have fun on your trip!

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  13. Enjoy your vacation. Your lifestyle is a healthy one so just eat okay and be active and HAVE FUN!

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  14. Depends on the vacation, but I try to stay healthy by staying active- it's pretty easy because I like vacations full of adventure and exploration!

    I also try to keep to eating every few hours. However, I always have more alcohol (YUM mojitos!) than I do normally... oh well!

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  15. I try to eat my eating habits as normal as possible when I"m away but I dont deprive myself either! I also try to squeeze in a work out here and there but usually our trips are pretty acitve that there are workout in themselves! Have fun!!

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  16. Just found your blog, love it! This post is great. I definitely strive to maintain exercise and healthy eating when on vacation. I don't restrict myself, but I don't go buck wild either. For me, working out helps me feel balanced, so an early morning jog or quick session in the hotel gym always makes me feel good. As for the crossiants, enjoy! Looking forward to reading more!

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