After coming home from a recent vacation where we ate out every single meal and drank more pina coladas than Jimmy Buffett can sing about, I felt like a swollen tick ready to pop. Sometimes going on vacation can be one of the best things you can do for your body and sometimes it can be one of the worst. Ironically, I am so happy this happened because feeling this way was a great reminder of why I work hard every day to live a healthy life.
There is a direct link between certain foods we put into our bodies and many diseases, cancers, and ailments that exist. More importantly, if you don’t have your health it is much more difficult to live a life of bliss.
Although I can’t go back and start over, I can reflect, smile, and move on. In other words, learn from your mistakes (or mine) and be aware of tempting situations. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay on track next time you are on vacation.
1. Everybody Loves Tapas. If you are going to a restaurant and want to try some new things on the menu, do it! Turn the menu into tapas and share with others so everyone can taste a little bit of everything. It’s so much more fun!
2. Just Google It. Look up activities or places to sight see in the area where you are visiting. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new! Not only will you have something fun to do, but you will also be burning calories in the process.
3. Carry Your Goals. Put your goals in your phone and carry them with you. If you looked at your goals half as much as you played on Facebook, you would have everything you want in life! Include WHY these goals are important to you and review them each day. This will help you make more health conscious decisions that are in alignment with what you want, regardless if you are on vacation or not.
4. Don’t Be a Boozehound. You don’t drink alcohol when you’re at home every night and you shouldn’t drink every night when you’re on vacation, either. It’s the fastest way to put weight on.
5. Say Cheese!
Take lots of pictures, especially if you put your bathing suit on. This is an instant reminder to make healthy choices to keep that body you have worked so hard on!
Vacation is a time to take a step back from your daily routine and enjoy yourself. Just make sure you keep your goals in check and all that you have worked hard for in mind. Personally, this journey of health has been something I have worked very hard on over the years and it hasn’t been easy. I am very aware how much of an impact making both GOOD and BAD choices every day has on your body, which is why I am sharing this with you.
The good news is… we are not here to live a healthy lifestyle for PERFECTION…it’s about consistency.
Remember, the turtle always wins the race.
Jamie Len Cumbo is a graduate of the University of Georgia. After she was diagnosed with the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, she made some big health changes. It was when she hit a plateau with her weight loss a couple years ago she started jumping rope for the first time. This new found passion landed her in a series of NIKE commercials this year. More recently, she went through a total health and body transformation, losing over 30lbs and getting the symptoms of her chronic autoimmune disease under control. She is active with various skin cancer foundations and currently serves as the Sports and Fitness Ambassador for GEN YOUth, an organization that helps raise awareness of childhood obesity.
