To some this may seem like a strange pairing of words. That's exactly why I'm writing this.
After my recent trip away I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences on this very subject.
We tend to approach holidays with an attitude of "letting everything go". Stress, timetables, deadlines, nutrition and fitness. Well that's what holidays are for aren't they?
Well yes...and no....
on my recent trip I surprised myself. Pleasantly.
It appears my attitudes towards food, nutrition and being active have become such an important part of who I am that I actually found it hard to let go of and my body responds differently to food now.
Those who know me well, know that although in the past, although I have generally been pretty careful/responsible with what I eat, I am a MAJOR sweet tooth. Put that together with being a "value for money" kinda gal and buffets can see me come unstuck!
So what was I to do on my holiday that involved buffet breakfast (my fav meal of the day) and dinners everyday? Would I be able to resist? Did it matter? I was on holidays wasn't I?
Surprisingly enough I found that I WAS able to resist more than I thought I would. It was more than that though, it wasn't about me depriving myself, I genuinely didn't want it as much or as much of it!
I am no saint, I still had dessert, perhaps just not quite as much as I may have done in the past.
I found the buffet became my friend rather than the foe I had feared. Why? Because I could chose not only what I put on my plate but how much of it. If I wanted try something I could try a tiny bit instead of having to order a whole dish of it. I felt in control.
The other thing I discovered along is that sometimes it is REALLY hard to find that healthy option when on holidays. When you visit the theme parks on the Gold coast there are big signs out the front saying that you can't take in your own food and drink. Then not only is the food available within them rather expensive, the majority of it is of little nutritional value and high in sugar and fat. This really disappointed me. Not for myself so much just for the public in general. I will admit that there were salad sandwiches, ham and salad sandwiches (albeit on white bread with butter) and fruit salad available, but not nearly as readily as the chips, burgers, nuggets, popcorn, icecream, fairy floss, lollies, soft drink etc....
Again in years gone this wouldn't have been such a big deal for me....I just notice stuff like this more now and am conscious of it with my kids. We made the best of it and opted for the salad sandwiches, drank water we'd taken ourselves (oops!) and yes the kids did have some treats.
You may ask why I am telling you this. Believe me when I say I am not trying "show off", nor be condescending or judgemental. I just wanted to share with you MY experience. I proved to MYSELF that you CAN change old habits. When you care enough about your health and practice healthy nutrition for long enough, eating any other way seems foreign and not something you would chose to do.
I also wanted to share it with you to let you know that even when you are on holiday it IS possible to make healthy choices. Perhaps not the same ones as when you are at home as you aren't in complete control but that's what holidays are about - letting someone else do the cooking!! ;)
Buffets do not need to be your enemy. You don't HAVE to have the pancakes and cream for breakfast every morning. Often you can have eggs cooked for you anyway you like, you could even request an egg white omelette. There is usually an array of fresh fruit and seeds, nuts and yoghurt and muesli. Fill up on these before you approach the hash browns, bacon, fried eggs, pastries, pancakes and white bread. Then even if you do have some you won't have as much ;)
Same with dinner. The salad bar is your friend!!! What I loved about the salad bar at our restaurant was not only did they have all the made up salads - which you should be wary of as you don't know exactly what goes in them - but you also have the plain veges to make your own salad with condiments on the side :)
Fill up a plate here before you head over to the hot selection, again, you'll probably then eat less of the curries/creamy pasta/fries that way.
A buffet doesn't have to mean masses of less nutritional food, it can mean giving you back control.
If you are on holidays a little idulgence is bound to happen but before you completely 'let go' think about how hard you have worked to be where you are, how happy you are when you make healthy choices. Enjoy yourself but have enough control with your choices to reduce the amount of damage control you may have to do after the holiday ;)
For my next holiday I'm looking at a yoga retreat.... pure goodness for the body, mind and soul :)
Click here and take a look.....
I'm off to start saving!
Jen
xx
