Being happy with your body is very personal. Women of all shapes and sizes come to me wanting to shift weight or maintain their current weight. All bodies are beautiful and ‘bikini ready’ but if you want some simple tips on enjoying your holiday whilst not going without or piling on the pounds, then read on.
Realistically, you are not going to be losing weight on holiday. You will want to eat out and enjoy a holiday treat or two. However, this does not mean that you have to put on an extra kilo or deprive yourself of the foods you love. It is about being sensible and indulging in moderation.
I divide my time between Italy and London and eat a little too much pasta and pizza when in Italy but I always stay the same weight. Here below are a few tips that have helped me and I hope you will find them useful.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast
Starting the day right means you won’t be reaching for a snack midmorning. Including a healthy protein into your breakfast will help. I always start the day alkalizing my body with a cup of warm water and lemon, followed by a smoothie, fruit and chia pudding, avocado on toast with a poached egg or a bowl of porridge.
Indulge in moderation
You are on holiday, so treat yourself by all means, just manage your choices. If you want to have a treat like a dessert or carbohydrates, have them during the day. Keep your portions small and avoid seconds. Remember to include lots of vegetables and salads with your meals.
Alcohol Choices
Alcohol is full of hidden calories, and a cold beer or cocktail is so tempting. To enjoy a drink or two go for vodka with sparkling water and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, it’s low calorie and refreshing. Make sure you keep well hydrated and drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have.
Don’t stop the Exercise
I get it – you want to relax on holiday. But just because you are away, it does not mean stop all exercise. Instead, work it into your holiday. That way, you can indulge in your favourite foods and keep the pounds off.
Swimming is a perfect exercise, or go for an early morning run or brisk walk on the beach. The more active you are, the more calories you burn.
Choose what works for you. I am actually more active when I am away and like to go for 2-3 hour hikes but just a 20min HIIT workout daily will work.
Stock your cupboards with healthy snacks
It’s not rocket science – if you have a sweet tooth, do not keep your cupboards full of cakes and biscuits.
Choose healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, fruit, hummus and vegetables. If you feel hungry, have some hummus with carrot sticks or half an avocado. These are both filling and healthy.
Avoid salad dressings
Salads are a perfect holiday food but beware of salad dressings. They taste great but are full of calories. Keep it simple and just use a little olive oil and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Eating out
There will always be healthy options on a menu, so opt for grilled or steamed dishes rather than heavy rich sauces or carbs. Say no to the bread basket and if you are going for a dessert, avoid starters and choose a healthy main like grilled fish.
Do not raid the buffet
The all you can eat buffets can be so tempting! Go for salads and vegetables and protein so you become full quickly. As mentioned before, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy your favourite foods, just be sensible. Know when to stop – you do not have to refill your plate just because you can.
The important thing is to be guilt free and enjoy yourself. Do not become obsessed with counting calories, follow these steps and you can enjoy a drink or two and have an ice cream or a pizza and maintain your weight.