Like many people, I try to avoid technology while on vacation, which is why I did not send out a newsletter last week, but I did write my thoughts down so I could send out upon my return. Let's just say - lessons learned from the All-Inclusive resort. I've never been to one before, so I didn't know just how easy it was to over-indulge....Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
As I
sit here at the Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana Dominican Republic, I start to look
around at all the people... and all the food... and booze. I mean - WOW. This
place is Amazing. And, since it's an all-inclusive, I can eat and drink myself
into an oblivion. Hey, I'm on vacation, right? Well, kinda.
Let me ask you this - do YOU allow yourself a "cheat week" while on vacation? I mean, you earned it right? You worked hard to GET to that vacation and you don't want to have to worry about calorie counting or eating "good"... you watch what you eat all week long and get your workouts in before your vacay, so why NOT allow yourself some freedom? Well, the real question is - how much more do you have to go to hit your goal? (replace: how close are you to your goal? )
Here's a fact - Fat sticks to fat. Many people go on vacation and come back anywhere between 5-10 lbs heavier than they before they left - especially at an all-inclusive or on a cruise. But if you still have some weight to lose and a goal to hit, it's harder to get back on track after a vacation. The more body fat you have, and the more you splurge on vacation, the harder it is to re-lose when you get home. But who wouldn't want to just eat and drink all day when its "Free"? The food is always amazing, it's never ending, and there's a bar every 100 feet. It's easy to cave into the crave. And why shouldn't you - you're on vacation right?
Well if you still have more weight to lose, or more muscle to gain to hit your goal, whatever that goal may be, then you really should try to discipline yourself (remember discipline from a few weeks back) to control the splurging on the food.
Here's a few tips while you're on vacation to avoid the Beach Bulge:
1) Only go through the buffet line once - Seriously, you don't need a pound of bacon and sausage, a 4-egg omelette with half a pound of cheese for round one; a short stack of pancakes with syrup, bowl of fruit for round two; followed up with 3 different desert squares, only to be washed down with 2 Bloody Mary's and a Mimosa. You just don't need that much food for breakfast (that's the meal I saw one guy have this morning!) Also, grab some healthier options such as the local fresh fruit that you can't get at home.
2) Stay away from the sugary/fruity drinks all the time (or Lay low on the sugary/fruity drinks) - The Blue-Drink special of the day is good, have one, but not 12. I'll never be one to tell you to stay away from alcohol, because those who know me know I love my wine and bourbon. But the added sugar isn't needed. Sugary drinks can pack on an extra 200-400 calories PER DRINK! Plus, all that sugar can give you a heck of a hangover.
3) Drink plenty of water - Water will help you feel fuller longer, so you can avoid the buffet line two hours after your first meal, plus when in a tropical setting and its hot you will need more water than normal.
4) Bring healthier snacks with you - If in doubt of what your resort/hotel will have available, bring some healthier snacks with you; I always have my Vi-Shape shake mix and Nutra-Cookies or protein bars with me. That way if the only options available is fried chicken and french fries at the bar, and you already feel like you've gorged yourself, you have a healthier option for at least one meal/snack.
5) Go Walking in the AM. Get up and get the blood pumping. You can sweat out last night's booze fest and get in some good activity. There is no need to avoid exercise while on vacation. What's better than a walk or run on the beach? It's a great way to sight-see, and you get in a calorie burn so you CAN eat and drink a little more than normal without the guilt.
Look, vacation IS all about relaxation or family time, and yes, enjoying yourself via food and booze. But really, You STILL want to look good naked, right?? There's no reason to stop your workout routine or eat a bit healthier while on vacay. Remember, this is a lifestyle, not a "diet", so why would vacation be any different than when you are at home?
Let me ask you this - do YOU allow yourself a "cheat week" while on vacation? I mean, you earned it right? You worked hard to GET to that vacation and you don't want to have to worry about calorie counting or eating "good"... you watch what you eat all week long and get your workouts in before your vacay, so why NOT allow yourself some freedom? Well, the real question is - how much more do you have to go to hit your goal? (replace: how close are you to your goal? )
Here's a fact - Fat sticks to fat. Many people go on vacation and come back anywhere between 5-10 lbs heavier than they before they left - especially at an all-inclusive or on a cruise. But if you still have some weight to lose and a goal to hit, it's harder to get back on track after a vacation. The more body fat you have, and the more you splurge on vacation, the harder it is to re-lose when you get home. But who wouldn't want to just eat and drink all day when its "Free"? The food is always amazing, it's never ending, and there's a bar every 100 feet. It's easy to cave into the crave. And why shouldn't you - you're on vacation right?
Well if you still have more weight to lose, or more muscle to gain to hit your goal, whatever that goal may be, then you really should try to discipline yourself (remember discipline from a few weeks back) to control the splurging on the food.
Here's a few tips while you're on vacation to avoid the Beach Bulge:
1) Only go through the buffet line once - Seriously, you don't need a pound of bacon and sausage, a 4-egg omelette with half a pound of cheese for round one; a short stack of pancakes with syrup, bowl of fruit for round two; followed up with 3 different desert squares, only to be washed down with 2 Bloody Mary's and a Mimosa. You just don't need that much food for breakfast (that's the meal I saw one guy have this morning!) Also, grab some healthier options such as the local fresh fruit that you can't get at home.
2) Stay away from the sugary/fruity drinks all the time (or Lay low on the sugary/fruity drinks) - The Blue-Drink special of the day is good, have one, but not 12. I'll never be one to tell you to stay away from alcohol, because those who know me know I love my wine and bourbon. But the added sugar isn't needed. Sugary drinks can pack on an extra 200-400 calories PER DRINK! Plus, all that sugar can give you a heck of a hangover.
3) Drink plenty of water - Water will help you feel fuller longer, so you can avoid the buffet line two hours after your first meal, plus when in a tropical setting and its hot you will need more water than normal.
4) Bring healthier snacks with you - If in doubt of what your resort/hotel will have available, bring some healthier snacks with you; I always have my Vi-Shape shake mix and Nutra-Cookies or protein bars with me. That way if the only options available is fried chicken and french fries at the bar, and you already feel like you've gorged yourself, you have a healthier option for at least one meal/snack.
5) Go Walking in the AM. Get up and get the blood pumping. You can sweat out last night's booze fest and get in some good activity. There is no need to avoid exercise while on vacation. What's better than a walk or run on the beach? It's a great way to sight-see, and you get in a calorie burn so you CAN eat and drink a little more than normal without the guilt.
Look, vacation IS all about relaxation or family time, and yes, enjoying yourself via food and booze. But really, You STILL want to look good naked, right?? There's no reason to stop your workout routine or eat a bit healthier while on vacay. Remember, this is a lifestyle, not a "diet", so why would vacation be any different than when you are at home?
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