I love traveling and going to the conferences but it can be tough to keep up with my usual wellness routine. It makes me worry because I’m not getting in my steps and eating out which means added salt and oils that are not normally part of my diet. Also, who doesn’t like to indulge a little while on a vacation (or at a conference). The key is to try to do what you can and to enjoy in a reasonable way. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed my time and didn’t gain any weight while I was away. I did that by keeping to my four basic habits for having a healthier lifestyle, namely:
1. Being more active. Even if I couldn’t get my usual workout in, I tried to walk as much as I could and took the stairs instead of the elevator. As for my everyday routine, I try to get in no less than 10K steps and usually do well over 15K. That means an hour walk in the a.m. and a 45 minute elliptical workout in the afternoon.
2. Cut down on carbs. I’ve done no carb diets and find that there is an awful rebound once I eat carbs again so I just cut down and focus on healthier carbs, like potatoes, sweet potato and similar carbs. Very few bad carbs like from weight bread, pastries, and sugar (although I do sugar instead of fake sweeteners).
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. This is key. The veggies help you fill up at meals and give you needed nutrients and fiber. Fruit can help satisfy your sweet tooth instead of bad carbs.
4. Be mindful. This applies to so many things! Stop and appreciate the things around you. I always breathe in the ocean air and lift my face to the sun while taking my morning walk, grateful that I can live in such a beautiful place. When you’re eating, eat mindfully and savor the taste, smell, and texture of what you’re eating. I used to gobble down a cookie in a bite or two, now I take several bites and let the flavors linger in my mouth so I appreciate what I’m eating.
I hope that helps if you’re on a wellness journey as I am. I had lost 50 pounds before the pandemic and gained back 40. Now I’ve lost 40 all together and am working on hitting that 50 number again and then another 30 if I can. I’d love to be back to my high school weight! P.S. – There are some healthy recipes in the Cook’s Treat section of my website.
