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 always bring my running shoes, and usually manage to squeeze in exercise every day on vacations. It keeps me sane and happy. 🙂 I pretty much stick to my usual eating habits, and indulge in things I know I’ll never be able to eat again!
New York! Fun. 🙂 I was seeing all of these DC photos on IG and was SO jealous…
Great advice! I always try for Option 3, as well. Often, I find that with all the walking I do on vacations, as well as squeezing in a few runs and circuit workouts, I will end up maintaining or even losing a couple pounds.
I didn’t know about the unwich! I always avoid JJ’s because their regular sandwiches seem like more calories than they’re worth. But that sounds like a great option.
What a great weekend! Whenever I’m on vacations/trips, I definitely loosen up a bit when it comes to eating out and treats, but I make sure that I’m eating what I WANT instead of just eating because I can…there’s nothing like coming back from an overindulgent vacation feeling like a complete slug! Ugh!
I may have to give JJ’s another try with one of those “un-wiches”…I went there with my dad for the first time a few months ago and didn’t really like it…my bread was SO hard!…but I don’t know, it’s right down the road from Which Wich…and I have a REALLY hard time turning that down! 😉
Love that pic of the Capital! So pretty!
I love sneaky excercise! I may not have ran when my family was in town but we hiked, and played at a antigravity trampoline place (jumping for an hour is some intense cardio!), and climbed mountains! Sounds like you struck a great balance!
Antigravity trampoline place?! That sounds AMAZING!!!
I’m going out of town this weekend and already mentally prepping how I’ll stick to balance….usually I’m one extreme or the other and it’s no fun
Good luck and enjoy your trip!! 🙂
I have really become a track 3 vacation eater. I use to be the first one, but finally realized I was ruining my vacation because of the sick feelings I would get. Now I opt for healthy opitons most of the time, but I do eat whatever I want if I truly want it. Great job!!
Great post on traveling and nutrition! I agree with you 100% – I do the moderate approach. For me, I LOVE drinks, so I know that is where I will let loose,so food is always pretty good. But who can’t resist a few treats? it’s LIFE and that is normal!
Love your approach to eating while on vacation! Mine is pretty similar – I don’t go all out and stuff myself with junk food, but I definitely don’t deny myself either. My cravings tend to err towards the healthier side in general, so satisfying them isn’t really a big deal.
Hey Liz! Great post! Truth be told I love traveling as it actually relaxes me in so many ways. #3 is really the way I approach eating all the time (with some times better than others). With exercise and paying attention to whether the body is really hungry, it seems to work on the road and at home – great round! Enjoy! X
I think I always fall into the first category when it comes to travel. It is sad but true. One day I may be able to hold it together and become more like #3.