1. Replenish the kitchen as soon as possible.
It’s likely that stale bread, spoiled milk, and condiments will be all that’s waiting for you in your kitchen when you get back from vacation, so now’s the perfect time to restock with a healthy food supply. Forego the sweets, chips, and other processed foods, and stick with fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods (i.e. milk and yogurt), lean protein, and whole grains.
2. Eat at home.
It’s likely that the whole family will be ready for some home-cooked meals once they’re back from vacation. If so, make the most of this opportunity. Ask family members what they would like to have that week and get them involved in the preparation, and/or look up new, healthy recipes to try. By eating at home, you’ll have control over what’s being added to the food, which can mean big savings in terms of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. Eating at home also ensures that everyone gets a well-balanced and nourishing meal.
3. Have fruits and vegetables with each meal.
Vegetables are a great way to add fiber and volume to meals, which help keep us full and satisfied. Add veggies to an egg white omelet for breakfast, pack a sandwich bag of raw veggies for lunch, and fill half of your plate at dinner with your favorite raw or cooked vegetables.
Fruit is another great source of fiber, in addition to being packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Make fresh fruit readily available—have grapes or cherries ready for munching, bananas and apples to pack with lunches, and blueberries or blackberries to add to yogurt, smoothies, or breakfast cereal. The natural sweetness of fruit also makes it a great option for dessert.
4. Drink water throughout the day.
Dig out your reusable water bottle and fill it up. When traveling, it can be difficult to stay fully hydrated, so make a point to re-hydrate. Aim for at least 64 ounces of plain water a day. This will help your body function properly and flush out any lingering toxins.
5. Get your sweat on.
There’s nothing like a good workout to get you back on track. Being active is a great way to improve your mood and revitalize your energy. Set aside time each day to be physically active.
6. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
Just because you are home from vacation doesn’t mean the rest has to stop. Sleeping for at least seven to eight hours every night will increase your body’s ability to benefit from all of the good you are doing throughout the day. In addition, sleep recharges your body’s internal systems, allowing them to function properly.
I’d love to hear if you have tried any of these strategies before along with any other tips you have to share! Leave a comment below and share your experiences with me and other readers!
