So, after the crappy 2 years we have all had with the lockdowns, it is finally the season where some of you may be lucky enough to go abroad, others are planning lovely days out and I’m sure the majority of us will be escaping the hustle and bustle for a relaxing weekend away in the UK. It’s safe to say that everyone deserves a holiday this summer and whatever you’re doing, I believe that the most important thing is that you have FUN. Your diet should not ever feel like a strain even when away or cause any anxiety. Today’s blog post is just sharing with you all the things I do when I go away.
Realistically, the best case scenario is that you try and maintain your weight while on holiday. Although for many (myself included) it is not unusual to put on a few pounds by the time I come home, the good thing is a lot of that may actually be water retention. So, on your return and going back to a normal life routine, it should inevitably drop back down (depending on the duration you were away but also depends heavily on how active you were).
MY HOLIDAY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Because I enjoy weight training and I feel I wouldn’t be able to stay away from it for more than a couple of days, I always pack my gym kit with me. Wherever I’ve been in the world, I will always google the closest gym and stick to my regular sessions. I also get them done early in the morning so it only takes up the tiniest part of my day.
2. I stay active: I always end up overshooting my 10k steps especially when being a tourist. So ensure you walk everywhere especially when exploring new places.
3. Breakfast: I usually keep this my smallest meal when away (knowing I’m out at a restaurant for the evening) and I usually stick with eggs, some sort of veg eg mushrooms or spinach and a slice of bread.
4. Lunches: if I know I’m eating in the evening, I will either have a bigger breakfast and skip lunch or if I had a small breakfast, my lunch will be a lean meat on the menu with salad or rice. As a lot of meals out have hidden fats eg oils and sauces and therefore hidden calories, it is also an idea to avoid carbs for at least one of your meals.
5. Evening meals: I will look ahead at the menu and decide which of the healthiest options I fancy the most. This is not to say I avoid burgers or kebabs away, I just make sure that especially if I’m away for a week, I avoid chips and burgers EVERYDAY.
6. Just like I would do at home, I save room (roughly 1000cal) for the evening meal out at the restaurant so I can really enjoy the meal I’ve chosen.
7. I pack my oats, whey and protein bars. Yes, believe it or not I will always take protein bars in case I get hungry during the day as they are easy to keep in your handbag. Like I said, lunch will also be small. For an afternoon snack, a Grenade shake and an afternoon coffee will usually keep me going. Or, if it is inevitable that I eat out for lunch AND dinner, I will go with the healthiest options on the menu.
8. Minimise alcohol. Again, I’ll admit I’m not much of a drinker now but I would always choose a dessert over a beverage. I recommend if you at least want to maintain your weight when away, be mindful of where you use up your calories.
9. Don’t go ham! My stomach is quite sensitive as it is, especially with new foods or when abroad so I ensure I stop eating when I feel full and really listen to my body if I’m too full for a dessert. I won’t say too much but my gut is usually quite sensitive when abroad as it is not used to the high fats so to ensure I’m not sprinting to the loo or have stomach cramps, I am especially mindful.
10. If out at lunch or dinner, drink at least 2 glasses of water before the meal - you will feel fuller.
11. Coffee coffee coffee: you all know I love coffee and my favourite drink away is a frappe (with a little milk or mostly black and just sweetener). I have 2 of these a day when away especially when lounging on the beach and this would replace an afternoon snack.
12. Don’t overthink or worry about your food too much: Remember, you’re outside of your normal routine and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. Enjoy the holiday, the food and the rest!
WHAT I’M DOING THIS SUMMER
I am still going away for a few days in August. When I’ve been away on prep I still enjoy myself despite adhering to my diet. In an extreme case of fat loss like competing where you cannot eat out, staying in an Airbnb is great for enabling me to cook my usual meals. Like I said, I always train when away just because it is a part of my lifestyle so I have access to a gym close by. Training will only be a small part of 2 of the days, the rest will be walking, exploring, going to the Brontë Museum and enjoying coffees twice a day. As I’m going back to Haworth in Yorkshire where I have been every year for the last 5 years, I will be hitting so many steps (especially the annual 20k hike to Top Withins). I will DEFINITELY be eating out and indulging in cake on my birthday! Remember: a holiday is a holiday, ENJOY IT.
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