You’re going away for reading week and YOU CAN’T WAIT!! Maybe you’re jetting off to a tropical destination with girlfriends or to a ski resort with your family. Either way, there’s a potential chance that the healthy meal prep and clean eating you’ve been working on for the last few months might go to sh*t.
Everyone tends to binge drink and eat while on vacation and that’s totally OK. Although it is a time to enjoy yourself, get a little WGW, and indulge (because what happens on vacay, stays on vacay, right?), it doesn’t mean you need to throw all of your health conscious morals out the plane window. Trust us, doing these few things will make you feel WAY better, plus you won’t be starting from scratch when you get back home.
Tip #1: Water is A Gal’s Best Friend
Drinking water throughout the day is so important, especially if you’re somewhere that the sun is hotter than you in your new bikini. It’s so easy to think you’re avoiding dehydration by sipping some frozen margaritas and dipping into the pool every few hours, but that’s not good enough! It’s crucial to still get enough water per day to refuel your body and replace the water you’re sweating out. If you are hitting the slopes, that’s exhausting for your body and it’s important to replenish fluids in order to stay energized.When you wake up, drink a nice tall glass of water, or two, and start your day off right! Then make sure you are taking in lots of water throughout the day (in between mojitos, of course). Before bed, have another glass of water – you will be shocked at how easy this trick is to avoid dehydration and exhaustion.
Tip #2: Make Your Breakfast Game Strong
Chances are you may wake up with a hangover once or twice throughout your trip. You’ve got a headache, upset stomach, dry mouth, or a bruise you don’t remember getting…what did you even do last night? Don’t panic. Breakfast is the perfect time to refuel by making healthy choices. If you’re heading out skiing for the day, it’s important to have a good meal that will give your body the energy it needs for all the exercise you’ll be doing. Usually the hotel complimentary breakfast has some sort of fruit or yogurt to choose from and maybe even a breakfast buffet! Just make sure you get some protein (eggs, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt) combined with some vitamin C and good sugars (bananas, oranges, or apples). Your body will be so happy you did! If you’re waking up on a beach somewhere, the same tip goes for you. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and you’re in the perfect position to take advantage of some tropical fruit to nurture your potentially exhausted body. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to upload an Instagram of your breakfast by the pool to make all of your friends jealous.
Tip #3: Moderation is Key
Of course you’re making the most of your vacation; trying new foods and drinks is all part of taking in the culture when you’re in a new place. Don’t feel like you have to stick to your usual meal choices just because you’re worried that it will affect your health. Just like a few healthy meals won’t make you a nutritionist, a few indulgent meals won’t ruin your life either. Everything can fit! The important part is to do so in moderation. Do you want guacamole and chips for lunch? Right on, go for it. The biggest problem is people tend to ignore portion sizes and don’t listen to when their body is telling them they’re full. Keep in mind a balanced meal includes protein, carbs, fats, and sugars, but you don’t need to stuff your stomach to the gills. If you’re out for dinner, order something fun! Bread? Why not?! Just don’t eat the whole loaf. Your body wants balance and you need to listen to it, just as you would when you’re at home.
It doesn’t need to be stressful. Just a few easy tips can really make a difference and will ultimately allow you to enjoy your vacation without sweating the small stuff. So drink your pina coladas or hot chocolate with Bailey’s because you’re off school! It’s time for fun. Just keep in mind you need to fuel your body properly in order to stay full of energy and ready to take on all the adventures of a vacay!
Even if you’re not going away during Reading Week, we’ve still got some tips to help you keep nutrition a priority during your break from routine.
If you’re going home to your parents’ place for the week, that means home cooking, a fully stocked fridge, and a real kitchen. Take advantage of that! Enjoy meals that aren’t from the cafeteria, Pizza Pizza, or a frozen box. It’s amazing what a warm, real meal can do for your body.
If you’re hanging around campus for the break, take time to give yourself a rest! It’s a stressful time at school for everyone, so make sure to give your body and mind the credit they deserve.
Reading week doesn’t have to be a complete write-off for nutrition and exercise. It is what you make it and there are easy ways to stay on top of your health while still enjoying yourself. If you’re going away for the break, tag us on Instagram in your healthy meal pics!
Create healthy habits, not restrictions.
Have fun, XO
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