(This included indulgence, less exercise and wine)
I recently got back from a seriously amazing (and much needed) vacation to The Conrad Maldives post book 2 tour.
It was pure magic.
And an incredibly HEALTHY vacation too.
While I was over there, I felt truly amazing. So well and energised.
Which got me thinking about how amazing it is to be able to continue living the healthy life, no matter where you are in the world – even on vacation.
When you are out of your normal health routine at home you think you simply cannot continue to live healthy life….
See most of us see vacation time as a moment to throw in the towel and let go of all our positive healthy living habits.
This is far from how it should or needs to be.
There is no better feeling than actually being on vacation and feeling AMAZING!
In fact, I use vacation time to truly nourish my mind, body, spirit.
At this point, you may be thinking that this means I eat 100% clean on my vacation, exercised all day and deprived myself of all the divine holiday indulgences.
Far from the truth.
I didn’t exercise, except for a light yoga practice everyday day on the most amazing over water villa each morning.
I drank 1-2 glasses of wine each night. Because this is good for my soul – in moderation.
I had dessert most nights – minus all guilt thoughts (thanks to the JSHealth Program I followed, and created).
Most importantly, I let myself truly REST. (As I always say – a rested body is a healthy body)
However, I also chose to eat well most of the time – always making the healthiest choice at each meal – thanks to the amazing healthy options at all the restaurants at The Conrad.
It is truly amazing to be able to travel to hotels who believe in the need to cater to the health conscious!
They even have a healthy restaurant called, Mandhoo which caters to the health-conscious people like us. How amazing!
Because that is what the healthy life is all about – Making healthy choices 80-90% of the time but then allowing 10-20% if healthy indulgence or imperfect eating – minus negative/guilty thoughts.
Many of my clients in clinic used to tell me they would always somehow lose weight when they went on vacation, despite less exercise and perhaps eating more indulgently (I am generalising here, I know!)
After clinical observation and years of study – I believe this is because of a rested nervous system – which has become almost impossible to attain in this highly stressful world. High cortisol levels (stress levels) are stopping us from achieving a healthy mind and body. Cortisol makes it very hard to balance our weight.
Vacation time is when we can finally get those cortisol levels down – helping us sleep well, feel energised, eat less (even of the naughtier foods), and perhaps feel extra comfy in our clothes.
And that tan is oh so great a self-esteem boost!
So here is my vacation health protocol (you welcome to use):
- Drink water all day long.
- I start my day with a light yoga session, mediation, brisk walk or Pilates – vacation is for more relaxed versions of movement.
- I start my day with an ocean swim and alternate nostril breathing exercise – I teach how you to do this in my online program if you interested.
- I also always start my day with my body love scan (also in the program) and a daily gratitude/manifestation practice to start the day on an amazing positive note.
- Buffet Breakfast was always a protein rich – a 2 egg omelette with sautéed veggies, avocado and sometimes a slice of rye toast or alternatively I had Greek yoghurt with muesli, berries and banana. And of course, my one coffee/day! Buffets can be challenging. My suggestion is to take a moment to tune into what you feel like eating and ensure you still down with that plate of food, knowing you can always have a little more later. Most of the time that choice you made will be filling and satiating. You don’t need to feel like you have to try everything because you have a few days to trial the other breakfast items. Make sure you always going for the protein rich breakfast option that I speak about in my 8-week program.
- Lunch time was either grilled fish and veggies, a curry with veggies, protein and some rice or a big salad with a protein and good fats. Sometime my hubby and I share a scoop of gelato or sorbet after lunch. Yum!
- I walk as much as I can around the resort/area that I am staying at.
- I always have my JSHealth 4-5pm snack when I come off the beach/pool to help me hang in there until dinner time (helping me to control my dinner portions too!) – which is a healthy bar, or a handful of almonds, or veggie stick with dip or some Greek yoghurt I put in the mini fridge.
- I try to have a 20-minute afternoon nap on vacation to rest my nervous system. I listen to healthy podcasts that inspire me and read one inspiring book – so relaxing!
- Dinner is usually fresh fish/seafood with sautéed veggies and salad – this is if I am at a seaside location. Otherwise any grilled protein with lots of veggies. I usually start my meal with a fresh salad and always fill up on the veggie sides.
- I love to enjoy 1-2 glasses of wine on holiday – very moderate amounts but enough to just make me feel a little relaxed – I drink red wine or I love rosé on holiday.
- My hubby and I would share an indulgent dessert every couple of nights – remember no deprivation and NO guilty thoughts. This is key.
- We love going for a brisk walk after dinner time to chat and digest.
- Normally we are that couple who loves going to listen to the live music that most hotels offer these days. Fun to dance and let go the stress!
- We then enjoy 8 hours of sleep.
For more healthy travel tips, check out the JSHealth Travel Plan!
