I love to travel! I’ve been to China, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, and Mexico and recently just came back from New Zealand last month!  If there is anyone who understands the challenges of being fit on vacation it would be me!
As a trainer and fitness blogger, I have found the best way to execute a winning strategy is to be in the right frame of mind.  A “Frame of Mind” is the border that will house the mental strength necessary to maintain a strong physique pre/during/post-vacation. 
So before you trail off into the uncontrollable world of indulgence, impulsiveness, and inactivity, change your definition of what ‘vacation’ means to you and work out a mental game plan that will serve the fit you!

Challenge 1: You want to ‘relax’ and have a margarita.
Lesson: Nothing is worth your body confidence. Really THINK about it. What does a ‘margarita represent to you?’ Aren’t you ‘relaxed when you eat consistent and clean meals and not full of sugar? While it provides short term pleasure, the next day you will become bloated and thus feel insecure in a bikini.

Challenge 2: Your friend wants you to have a shot (of alcohol) with him/her.
Lesson: Sharing is always better. Don’t be disagreeable (because it can be annoying for those vacationing with you) Just say, “I have a low tolerance for alcohol. I will drink ½ and you and drink the other ½ “. Most people wouldn’t mind the extra alcohol and feel good that you are participating in the moment.

Challenge 3: Your friends/family only want to lie in the sun all day.
Lesson: If you want to be a fit person act like a fit person. Understand that ‘fit’ people are a rarity, and in order to maintain that level of uniqueness, you have to do things most people would not. So instead of conforming, be different. Being unique include snorkeling, jet skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, trekking and playing active beach games.

Challenge 4: You don’t have a gym nearby
Lesson: If you fail to plan, plan to fail. If you are in a dilemma where you failed to plan your workouts, do not fear, revert back to your old school training! Perform pushups, pull-ups, squats, jumping jacks. Get your heart rate up doing anything for at least 30 minutes per day. I usually bring a jump rope, a workout video and resistance bands.

Challenge 5: You want to indulge in the buffet line.
Lesson: Do Good First.  Think Moderation! When I’m stuck in a situation where my favorite foods are plentiful, I plan and envision the process. Eat protein such as lean meats and seafood first, then after a big glass of water and a second helping of vegetables, go ahead and have a bit of your favorite ‘cheat’ foods. At that point, you will already be satiated and will most likely eat less.

Understand that in order to attain the ‘right frame of mind’ you must re-develop your definition of vacationing. In a trip to San Diego last year, I was encouraged to eat heavy, drink alcohol, lay around all day and ‘relax.’ Yet, everything I was encouraged to ‘do’, I knew my body didn’t agree with. What makes me happiest is fueling my body with nutrient rich foods, drinking fresh water and utilizing my muscles in a fun activity. While drinking toxic liquid, damaging my skin and consuming empty calories was fun at one point in my life, right now, I feel more in touch with what makes me happy more than ever and I knew this type of ‘fun’ wasn’t fun for me anymore.
Happy August Everyone!
 

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