Mindful Eating Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Summer is here which means you might be getting away for a few days on vacation. Often we look at vacation as a time to toss all mindfulness to the wind and do whatever we want, when it comes to food. Then we feel guilty and frustrated. Vacation doesn’t have to mean a lack of mindfulness, but it also doesn’t mean we have to refrain from all the little joys and experiences that often come with a get-away. Here are some tips on how to enjoy yourself without completely letting go of all mindfulness.

TIPS

1. Plan ahead. Whether you’re flying or driving, traveling can create chaos when it comes to eating on a normal routine. When you are planning your trip also consider where you might stop to eat and take snacks with you.
2. Take snacks. Snacks can help satiate you through the day and can save you from being ravenous at meals. Nutrient dense options include fresh/dried fruit, trail mix, nuts/nut butters, apple sauce pouches, cheese sticks, lunch meat, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit/nut bar or protein bars, PBJ sandwich.
3. Choose to move on. In the moment, do your best to be mindful. After the meal is complete, resist the urge to live in regret or guilt and move on. If you don’t feel proud of how your maneuvered the meal, you have another chance in a few hours. 😊
4. Stay hydrated. Always have a water bottle with you that you can refill and keep on hand.
5. Honor hunger cues. Listen to hunger cues rather than eating to clean your plate.
6. Is there a Kitchen? Stay in a place that has a kitchen. That will provide the opportunity to cook rather than require eating out for all your meals.
7. Split when possible. When eating out, consider splitting a meal. Sharing with a friend/family member may allow you to try a greater variety of new restaurant options.
8. Start with something. It is tempting to roll out of bed and get going with your day. Always have something to eat for “breakfast” or your first meal. That will help you honor hunger cues rather than lose control due to true excessive hunger.

My family recently took a trip to the beach where I had ice cream three times within a five-day period. Guilt free, used mindfulness when it came to my portion and enjoyed my family vacation without overanalyzing my ice cream intake. For some of you reading my blog, you could do the same. For others, that may seem like a mindset that is far, far away. I encourage you to think about your relationship with food. Does it control you, your mood/emotions and enjoyment in life OR do you control those aspects of life? Having a disordered mindset around food is common AND it doesn’t have to control you or rule over your thoughts. Enjoying food is just one aspect of life and vacation. Don’t let food steal your enjoyment and focus from what is truly important. If you are looking to improve your relationship with food, contact me (krista@fuelfearlessly.com) and let’s chat. That way, the next time you have a get-away you can be fully invested in your time away, rather than food guilt.