I’ve just returned from a week-long vacation at Disney World. I took my kids for the first time and it was quite an adventure for us all. I always worry and stress out leading up to a vacation or any sort of time away from home. I am a creature of habit and I feel out of control when my routine is interrupted. This vacation was no different.
My current personal goals don’t revolve around weight loss. But I certainly don’t want to GAIN weight! And I know the vacation statistics. Adults can gain an average of 1-2 pounds on a one week vacation. And while that may not sound too alarming, statistically, those extra pounds can stick around for six weeks post-vacation. Yikes! So, as a person who has lost over 80 pounds and maintained that for four years…I certainly don’t want to see that scale creeping back up….so, insert my stress HERE!
How do you go on vacation and enjoy yourself and leave all that stress behind? I have spoiled countless trips in the past, worrying about what the scale was going to look like when I got home! I decided not this time! I mean, I was in the “Most Magical Place on Earth” and you better believe I WAS GOING TO ENJOY IT! Insert A-HA moment here. What if I DID enjoy myself? Eased up on the pressure I was placing on myself? Stayed active? Ate some Mickey Ears with cheese? Split some meals with my family? Wine….yes, please! Check, check, and check!
I ate those Mickey ears with cheese and on those days, I stayed active (some days I even hit 19k steps), I started my day with my normal meal and split meals with my family when we ate out. I recognized my hunger cues and listened to my body. I ate mindfully and made sure I selected minimally processed whole foods; focusing on vegetables and proteins. And most importantly I let myself have an amazing time!
And you know what happened when I got home……I hadn’t gained a SINGLE POUND! A-HA! So…….go on vacation, stay active, enjoy yourself and the time with your friends/family and even if you do gain a pound or two it’s not the end of the world.
I will be here for you if you need me. We won’t take 6 weeks to get it off!