…And relax!

Picture this: you’ve recently focussed on healthy eating and put in the training to get your mindset, as well as body, holiday-ready. However, the pull of the all-you-can-eat buffet or the enticement of the epic cocktail menus may have you feeling a bit ‘ugh’ all too quickly.

Holidays are about letting your hair down and enjoying the good things in life so this post is about how you can find a balance so you go home feeling refreshed and not shrouded in guilt!

Here are my top 3 tips to stay on track with your fitness goals while enjoying your holiday:

1. Stay Active

I’m not necessarily talking about hitting the hotel gym, although that is an option. Incorporate exercise naturally into your day. For instance, take a little morning run along the beach, or hire some bikes to explore the surrounding countryside. If you are by the sea, you could try watersports or take a refreshing swim before you lay back to catch some rays. These will help to burn some calories to allow for a guilt-free margarita later!

2. Drink plenty of water

Water is a pretty miraculous thing! It can help boost your metabolism* and also act as an appetite suppressant. Keeping your water levels up will reduce water retention in your body making you feel leaner and tighter. Alternate your alcoholic drinks with a glass of water and you will wake up feeling a lot better the next day.

3. Create a plate

With all the new foods on offer at an all-inclusive buffet, it’s all too easy to load that plate high to the hilt. My tip to rein in your gut reaction is to make your plate look a la carte. Walk around everything first, then go back and select one item – the main event, then select the sides and vegetables to complement. Make it colourful and present it nicely so you feel like it’s something you might be served in a restaurant. And when it comes to dessert – pick 1!

Let me know which tip might work for you!

*Reference: Water-induced thermogenesis, Michael Boschmann et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003 Dec