Maintaining Healthy Habits on Trips

 A problem that we can run into is making good habits stick when we are on vacation. How do I keep moving forward in my health goals when I am in a different environment? What is the best way to plan for relaxation but not slide into old patterns?

Decide the healthy choices that you will make, ahead of time, while you are at home. Decision fatigue is a real thing especially when social pressure is added in. Set yourself up for success.  

Here is what I have learned in my process of starting and keeping healthy habits.

Preparation is Everything!

These are actual things that I have done on real-life trips with young kids and by myself. If you are determined, you can find a way to exercise on trips. Preparation is everything!

Part of the planning process is to make time and space for exercise – just like stopping for dinner or sleeping at night.  We all plan vacations thinking about lunch and dinner stops.  Why can’t exercise be planned as well?

Before our long RV trip last October, I looked at the campsite maps ahead of time. I knew where the walking paths were. By the time we got there, I was really excited. I wanted to try walking those areas so I made space in my schedule. 

Ways to Exercise on Trips:

• What are some fun and unusual activities you can add in that have a workout built-in?  
  • Kayaking, playing basketball, rock climbing, hiking, long walk in nature, volleyball, frisbee, sightseeing on foot in a town, or renting bikes to explore in a different way. 
• Waking up early to take a walk by yourself in the quiet. 
• Bring nice, comfortable athletic clothes, shoes and supplies.  – then you will be motivated to use them.  (Unless speed walking a resort in your old, hole infested, college t-shirt brings you joy. 😊) 
• To get exercise when you have kids with you, walk laps around the playground while they play. 
• Use the energy and excitement of kids to move with them. Play basketball, or go for a run together.
• Do a YouTube workout video in the hotel room or in an outside area.
• Go on long walks to explore the area.
• Walking indoor areas (malls, hotel hallways, stairs, airport walking).
• Squats, lunges, sit ups, calf raises, and pushups in the RV or at the campground. (don’t think about what people think – Just do it!) 
• Walking in the sand on the beach or on a playground.
• Park farther away so that you can get in more steps in the parking lot.
• Resistance bands are super lightweight, take hardly any space, cheap to purchase, and can be packed in your luggage easily.
• Change your mindset:
  • “I get to eat an amazing salad from this cool restaurant!” 
  • “I can save money by bringing my own food and cooking healthy meals in my RV.” 
  • “I can choose to bring dark chocolate and healthy snacks so that when (not if) a desire to snack comes I will be well prepared (not deprived).” 

What can you decide ahead of time?

• What do I need to be successful?  
• What supplies can I bring?  
  • There is a Danish saying – “There is no such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing.”
• What research and planning can I do before leaving home? 
• What foods are important for me to have?   
• What should I avoid?  
• How will I solve the problem of snacks and treats? 
• How can I reduce trip decision fatigue? 
• How can you Embrace the Healthy Habits of Home while you are on a trip? 

In 2019 I went on a 2 week trip to London and Paris. I was able to make low-carb choices at every single meal. I walked more than 14,000 steps a day and I felt amazing! 

Just take one meal at a time. One event at a time. Tell yourself to choose the healthy choice just that one time. Ask yourself, what would a “healthy person” do right now?

Look for pockets of time to take a walk or exercise. Maybe use that walk to get to know another person one-on-one. I’m sure there are at least one or two other people on your trip who would love to walk with you! Or just use that walk as a way to mentally refresh yourself and have some alone time. 

This is not just about making healthy choices for one week/or one weekend.  This is about making healthy choices for a lifetime. You never know who you might inspire when you quietly stick to your goals.

You got this! You have it in you!

Hugs! You can do this!  – April

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