Get Back On Track After Vacation

Getting Back On Track After Vacation

You went away for vacation, saw a new part of the world, and now you’re back. While you were away, you ate, you drank, you relaxed, and then of course, you ate some more.

But now you are back...and it’s time to face the music. Here's how to get your healthy lifestyle back  on track 

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As you're waking up the morning after your less-than-healthy eating, and inactivity filled vacation, your body may be puffy and bloated. Your joints are probably achy. And your clothes feel tight. ​​

As the summer is coming to an end, you may be feeling that way right now. Regardless of when you feel the after-vacay blues, here are 5 steps to get you back on the fitness fast track after your trip. 

Step One: Focus
Your vacation happened. You ate things from the “never eat these” list, you drank more than you should have…but now it’s over. 

It's time to draw a line in the sand. You’re back home, so the bad eating stops now. There is no need to wait for the next Monday, or the next month, or any other procrastinating reason to get back on track. Start NOW!

If you’re serious about your fitness goals, then let your vacation be your exception, and don't allow it to turn into your "rule". There is no reason to beat yourself up for letting loose and enjoying your trip. The past is in the past now. Whatever damage was done, is done. It's time to get back up, dust yourself off and get focused on your healthy future. 

Step Two: Hydrate
While travel days can take on many forms, the end result is most often the same. Dehydration from too much alcohol, and refusing water during travel so you don't have to pee every 15 min mid flight. And water retention from too much salty, processed food. The only way to restore your balance is to get hydrated. 

Your first priority in getting back on track is to drink plenty of water throughout your first week home. Depending on how dehydrated you have become, it can take up to 4-5 days to completely rehydrate yourself again. 

Start with a tall glass of water first thing in the morning, and carry a water bottle with you to sip throughout the day. 

Don’t add any artificial sweeteners or stimulants to your water – these will sabotage your hydration efforts. For flavor, add sliced fresh fruit, herbs or vegetables to your water, just like at the spa. 

Step Three: Cleanse
For your first few days home you need to be extra picky about what you eat. Stick with only whole, real foods like fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Whole, real foods will help to restore balance and block out cravings, as well as cleanse out all of the bad processed foods stuck in your intestines.

Don’t eat any packaged foods for the next few days. This means no snack foods, processed meat slices, baked goods or alcohol. 

Try the recipe for Quick Chicken Stir Fry below – this is a wonderful, whole food dish. 

Step Four: Rest
As relaxing as vacation days are, most end with the feeling of exhaustion. Make catching up on sleep a priority over the next few days. 

When your body is low on sleep, it becomes easier to make poor eating choices. You’re also less likely to get back into your workouts if you don’t give your body a chance to rest and constantly feel sluggish. 

Aim for getting a full 8 hours of sleep each night. 

Step Five: Exercise
Finally, it’s time to sweat out all those vacation indulgences. So lace up your shoes and put on your favorite gym clothes. When you start your first workout, ease in slowly. Take the time to warm up and stretch your muscles before powering up to a solid 30-minute routine. 

Dedicate to Making Healthy Your Habit,
​Mychael Shannon