Fit for Travel

I spent 2 weeks in Europe and I managed to indulge, have fun and come home thinner.
Here's how:

Tip 1: The Flight:
Damage control- the flight can start your trip off in a binge-worthy fashion or can set you up for vacation success. The flight itself can be very dehydrating and can zap your energy. I try to pack water, tea (ginger, cranberry or green tea), greek yogurt, avocado, grapefruit, chicken in a gluten free wrap and some dark chocolate and popcorn or pistachios in a ziploc bag. The key is to have foods high in potassium and drinks to debloat, as well as good sources of protein and some mindless munching options like baby carrots or grapes.

It was an overnight flight and I wanted to wake up refreshed in Europe so I went on my usual run that morning and settled into my seat nice and tuckered out. I took 500mg of magnesium with a cup of tea, a little bit of stevia sweetened yogurt and a glass of champagne. I try to balance my indulgences- I wanted champagne and strawberries so I nixed chocolate or the bagged potato chips. I woke up in Europe and immediately drank a liter of water and a cup of coffee.

San Sebastian was gorgeous- I hit the ground running- literally.

While my chef napped, I took advantage of the gorgeous walkways that hug the coastline. I went on a 6 mile run without missing a beat. 

Tip #2: Do something active every day that incorporates the city you're visiting: 

San Sebastian had running trails everywhere and beaches where we could rent surfboards. I ran every morning- it was a great way to see the city, spend some time alone and soak up the ocean air. My chef taught me how to surf one day and we spent most of the evenings walking to and from dinner or to and from gelato :)

Tip #3: Indulge wisely:

I knew it'd be easier to eat healthfully in a beach town like San Sebastian and that I'd want to indulge in desserts and champagne in Paris, and that Ireland would be a little heartier fare and lots of pubs. I planned accordingly. We were super active in San Sebastian and snacked on healthy foods during the day and ate small tapas plates for dinner and I stuck to 2 drinks per night. I made up for this in Paris- the land of champagne and macaroons:

In short- it's all about balance- pick your battles and prioritize. I can honestly say I had everything and did everything I wanted to do on my trip- there is nothing I missed out on. I relaxed, I indulged, I exercised and I felt great. Being on vacation is no reason to go off the rails- if anything it lets you be your most ideal self. Vacations should be a remedy for all that ails us- including a lack of time for exercise and health.