Diglossos

The great thing about taking vacation is that you  can really unwind.  For a little while the only one in control of your schedule is yourself.  You don’t have to worry about that early meeting.  There are no reports that require last-minute editing at 11pm.  Nobody is expecting you in the office for at least 10 days.  You can manage your life and do things that you like without severe time constraints.

For many people this is a wonderful thing that already induces feelings of euphoria and brings relaxation, but for others it’s daunting because they are afraid to lose control.  Not everyone has a bikini bod.  Some people struggle with weight, and for some losing or maintaining weight is a life-long struggle.  We’re not talking a small belly bulge.  We’re talking serious health concerns.  Many people get scared because the support system they have at home won’t be traveling with them, and they just know in their hearts that they will succumb to temptation.

Well, I’m here to tell you to slow down a little and relax.  There are easy methods for staying on track.  You can follow your plan and still enjoy yourself.  The key is to really think about what you are going to do and solicit the help of your team in order to arrange for a successful course of action.  Here are some quick tips to help you:

1. DO plan on working out while you’re away.  You have many options.  You can use the hotel gym, use a gym close by to where you’re staying, or plan outdoor fitness routines that will allow you to see the city where you are and change things up.
2. DON’T even think about fast food.  It’s a straight road at about 90mph to disaster.  Don’t put yourself in front of temptation.  If you’re not going to McDonald’s at home, why would you go in Paris?  I assure you, the calories do not change with the metric system.
3. DO drink a lot of water.  Studies have shown that people who stay sated tend to avoid food because they’re tummies are already full.  Also, many people mistake thirst for hunger.  Before you reach for a snack, try drinking some water first.  MAYBE once a day if you’re walking a lot, you can have some Gatorade or similar drink, but don’t make it a habit.  These drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, and they’re made for athletes.  Unless you’re doing a regimen à la a Tour de France cyclist, you really don’t need that much refueling.  Also, forget the soda of any kind.  They don’t address the thirst because they don’t have electrolytes, and they also are diuretics.  (For more on the subject, Shine from Yahoo has a great article, “Are Sports Drinks Better Than Water?” and it includes healthy alternatives.)
4. DO consult your fitness and/or diet team.  They can help you with scheduling time and planning meals.  Also, get their phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses so that you can reach out during times of weakness or stress.  They can also give you advice when you’re having a hard time making choices.
5. DO keep a journal of some kind.  Either note it in your iPad or other electronic device or jot it down in some book.  This way, you can really keep track and make sure that you stick to your regimen.  It’ll also be helpful for you to see your progress, and this will keep you motivated.
6. DON’T skip your routine.  Plan before you go.  Try to follow your schedule as much as you can.  If you can’t get up by the 9am time you marked for a workout, try later in the day.  It’s no sin to adjust times.  It IS a big no-no to ignore it altogether.
7. DO take advantage of the opportunity to walk.  Hey, you’re probably already walking a lot; so, walk a little more.  If your destination is only mile a way, walk instead of grabbing that taxi (unless it’s raining or you’re in a sketchy part of town.  Safety first.) All of the activity will add up, and the bonus is that you’ll keep your appetite and metabolism in check.
8. DON’T think that you can do an all-you-can-eat because you’re only there once or rarely.  The calories add up. Be mindful of what you eat and how much.  If you really must have that fried rice, work in some extra time on the exercise bike, or walk as much as you can.  The more calories you expend, the better for you later.  Plus, you may diminish your appetite enough so that you don’t want the sinful stuff or you’ll want less of it.
9. DON’T beat yourself up if you indulge, as long as you do it sparingly.  If you have to have that rich dessert, don’t make it a habit.  Once is OK.  Eating junk through the whole trip is not.  Use that journal to keep track of your calories and activity so that you’ll be fully aware of what you’re doing and you can control things.
10. DO enjoy yourself, but make healthy choices.  For the most part, you will find the same food at your vacation spot as would at the local grocery.  Stock up on some healthy snacks and water so that you can control hunger pangs.  When dining out, do ask for guidance on healthy options.  I know that the waiters can be intimidating, but most people want you to have a nice experience.  If you’re nice and honest, they’ll help you with making diet-friendly choices.

It requires a little planning and some willpower, but you should already be used to that.  Look at as planning for success, not organizing chores.  If you put a positive spin on it, you’ll see that you can actually look forward to it or at least it won’t seem like a pain.

The great thing about being on vacation is that you’re in control of your life and your choices, but for some people this can be upsetting.  If they don’t have great self-control, being left to their own devices can be dangerous.  Keep in mind that you have a team at home and maybe with you who can lend you a hand.  Take it.