We just got back from our annual (this was our second year) family summer camp.
We’ve sacrificed a lot to be able to make these trips a reality but I can’t think of too many better ways to spend our time and money.
The time of learning, growing, and connecting are invaluable.
One thing I can say was difficult about vacation was staying on track with nutrition.
Here are some random thoughts I have that can hopefully help you as you navigate your own nutrition this summer.
Accept that you will not be perfect
It’s not realistic or even optimal to be perfect on vacation. In fact, it’s the perfect time to relax the rules a bit. Enjoy some of the hard work you put in and crush the ice cream!
Don’t Over-do it
The above point should be taken with a grain of salt. You don’t want to completely sabotage all of the hard work you’ve been putting in. There is also something to be said about not breaking the momentum you’ve built. Decide where you will treat yourself and where you will stay disciplined. It can be just as satisfying having a taste of something as is having a lot. For example, having 1 scoop may be just as enjoyable as 2 or more.
I decided that I would indulge with certain foods but I would do at least some exercise every day. These weren’t necessarily my best workouts but my goal was to do something. While some people like to take a break from exercise during vacations, I like the way I feel when I move my body. I also find it harder to get going when I return if I don’t. I met a great guy named Pete from NJ (Pete has 8 kids!) that I ran with twice. We also did a couple of “family workouts.”
Have a Written Plan
I fell short here. I even told someone I needed to put a plan in writing before the vacation. I neglected to and I’m sure I over-did it (even more) as a result.
Part of that written plan could have included some accountability. Simply asking someone else to check in with you as you are trying to stick to a plan can make all the difference. I’ve done this before and had success with it. This time I didn’t.
These are just thoughts that I hope can help you with your own vacation/summer nutrition.
It’s not meant at all for you to compare yourself to me and I’m in no way asking you what you think of my plan or thoughts. Perhaps you would approach things totally different. Fantastic. Even if this helps you solidify your own beliefs, I consider that a win!
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