5 Tips for Staying Balanced on The Go
We’re all (well most of us are) over here trying to keep up with our morning routine, cook healthy meals, go to bed at the same time every night, eat our vegetables, all the things that keep us consistent. Then we leave our home and our bed and our kitchen and BOOM. It’s like it all goes to waste. But it doesn’t have to.
It’s possible to feel your best and maintain your health while also enjoying a new culture, family time, work or relaxation. Here are 5 tips for keeping up a healthy lifestyle on the go:
Make time for yourself.
Whether it’s 10 minutes or 30 minutes, setting aside time in the day to show your body and mind some love can be really beneficial when traveling. Maybe that looks like reading or meditating before bed. Maybe it’s stretching or journaling in the morning. The morning is my personal favorite because it sets the tone for the day. This is really something I try to stick with when traveling. Whether I’m spending the day lounging by the beach or exploring the city, having my morning time ensures I am doing something good for my body that day.
Compare your options when it comes to food.
I don’t want to use the term “worth it” here, but that’s basically what I mean. The pasta at a famous restaurant on the coast of Italy handmade by an 85-year-old chef? Worth it. The cinnamon roll at the hotel breakfast buffet? Maybe not. If you have a delicious, sugary breakfast, perhaps opt for a lighter, nutrient-dense lunch. Try not to overwhelm yourself when it comes to this. We want to live in the moment and experience all the things. Just be more mindful of your choices.
Move every day.
This doesn’t have to be spending an hour of your time at the gym every morning. Walk to the restaurant or meeting. Bike down the beach. Or bring your lightweight bands and do a 10-minute workout in your hotel room. Every day might be different, but as long as you are moving your body in some capacity, you will continue to feel good. It will also make it easier to get back into your typical workout routine back at home.
Consider your portions.
Every body is different, and we have different needs to fuel us. I truly think portion sizes should differ between people. However, being mindful of portion size on a trip can be a great way to try different foods, drinks, etc., without feeling like you’ve overdone it. Consider tapas-style at restaurants or splitting an app and the main meal. If you’re by yourself, ask the restaurant if they do half orders. This works well for maintaining balance when eating out nearly every day and ensures you won’t feel too full or sluggish throughout the day or evening.
Don’t stress about it.
Okay, this one might be cheesy and not the specific tip you were looking for, but it’s essential. When we are worried (even about something like whether we are going to gain weight, lose muscle, or become “unhealthy” after some time off), our body goes into fight or flight. Fight or flight increases insulin levels, signals fat storage, shuts off our digestion and slows metabolism. So, by stressing too much about staying healthy while traveling, you are actually doing quite the opposite. Use this time to take a deep breath and put your body in rest and digest mode. You might even come home feeling lighter and leaner than before.
It would be a lie to say our bodies don’t change after some time away from home, away from our routines, eating out and laying out. But that’s okay. Our bodies are meant to change. They’re also meant to be resilient. Allowing time and space for change while away can actually be beneficial. Instead of spending your trip avoiding “unhealthy” foods or feeling low on energy from overindulging, try these tips to find balance. It’s important to enjoy all the things while fueling and preparing your body to function at its best.
