Balance in the Capital
The whole healthy living plan gets significantly more difficult when traveling… especially when celebrating. But thankfully all that accountability of the Get Well Challenge helped me at least attempt to stay on track!
I was a little disconnected over the weekend since I didn’t bring my laptop with me, but I have to admit, it’s kind of nice to spend a few days away from the computer. I spent the past weekend in DC celebrating Lindsay’s birthday, and we managed to squeeze a lot of activity into the weekend.
I’ve seen three types of eating strategies for traveling:
1. The “I’m-on-vacation-so-I’m-breaking-all-the-[imaginary]-rules“. This is the type of trip where you eat until you’re sick and you tell yourself that the diet will start as soon as you get home. You literally just eat because you “can”, not because you really want something.
2. The “I’m-not-going-to-have-any-fun” where you literally can’t relax. “Sorry guys, no wine for me, I’m taking an 18 mile jog tomorrow!” Even if you do taste some amazing local cuisine, you can’t enjoy it because it’s not “healthy” and wasn’t on your “plan” for the trip.
3. The “I’m-going-to-enjoy-everything-in-moderation” is the one I’ve really worked towards. It is possible to have fun, relax, enjoy food and drinks, without ruining any progress you’ve made. It’s about making trade offs and truly enjoying the splurging.
How does #3 actually look?
I enjoyed plenty of wine and good food, but I only ate what I really wanted. It meant I got a light salad rather than a sandwich because I knew there would be pizza later. And that jumbo slice? of course it was delicious but split with Lindsay, I didn’t spend the walk home feeling like I was sick! Have you ever had an “unwich” from Jimmy Johns? It’s basically a sub wrapped in lettuce instead of bread. They’re delicious! It’s little swaps like that which can really add up!
We also decided to plenty of active things to do. I might not have gotten in a run over the weekend, but we went on a long bike ride around the city, walked around downtown, and spent an afternoon picking apples. Even unofficial exercise still counts as exercise! This weekend gave me a chance to work on the calorie counting while still making room for the things I loved!
I’m heading to New York City later this week, so hopefully I can continue a balanced approach!
I really need to learn to find #3. I am totally #1, whether I want to be or not…I could use a little working on that! haha
It depends what we do on vacay. If I know I will be walking and active, then I just let my desires run away and eat what I want. I still try to keep the meals focused on veggies and fruits, but if Im craving pizza for dinner one day I will order it and not worry about it 🙂
I think I’m #3, but there are definitely days where I just don’t care! But then again, it’s hard not to indulge in everything… living in the land of maple syrup is limited in its everyday dining options. 🙂
Hahaha I want to visit the land of maple syrup 😉
So true, Liz! I often go for number one when I’m in a completely new place, because there’s so much new food to try out. BUT you’re totally right that you just end up sick and it’s never worth it. I think #3 should be my new goal for when I’m traveling.
PS I always pose with “Illinois” in the WWII memorial when I’m in D.C. 🙂
I love your view on non-exercise counting as exercise. My motto is “every little bit helps!” Just because you’re not sweating buckets doesn’t mean your body isn’t benefiting from the little movements throughout the day. Glad you had a good weekend!
I like #3 for sure – that’s the way I try to do it as well! NYC ahhhh so jealous, haven’t been there in 2 years and I need a trip back so soon. Miss it!
When I’m on vacation, I tend to have the “anything goes, I’m on VACAY” mentality. But lately I’ve been trying to stick with the #3 everything in moderation plan. It’s possible to have fun and watch what you eat while you’re on vacation!
I was quite proud of myself for last weekend. Granted, there were a LOT of sweets, but there was a salad or side of vegetables with ever meal and a ridiculous amount of walking. We’ll call it a win. 🙂
Haha that totally sounds like a win!
i am a huge believer in option 3. i used to do option 1 (and sometimes do this because it is hard), but with a little will power you can really still enjoy and maintain balance and not feel like crap when all is said and done.
It’s so true! When I would just “eat whatever I wanted” I usually just felt sick by the end of the meal!
I definitely follow track number 3. I’ll enjoy a bit more food but counterbalance it with walking everywhere I can!
It’s a great excuse to take a “tour” of somewhere new 🙂