A holiday to me is a time to unwind, celebrate, rejuvenate, and to see new places and try new things. I imagine you are thinking the same, right? But it can also make you feel very uneasy about eating – if, for example, you’re trying to eat healthily and maintain or lose weight.
I see and hear this quite a lot I often work with people who are looking to get into their best shape for a holiday so they can fit into that new sexy swimwear they’ve bought, show off a little and feel good about themselves.
This might not be you… but buying that new shirt or top that you’re not used to wearing is exactly the same thing from a mindset perspective.
Now, before you switch off and think this is going to be one of those ‘typical fit-pros’ who whines on about “if you eat chicken and veg all week then you’ll be fine” then I can assure you that’s not what I’m about to say – not so! Please stay tuned…
A holiday is a holiday to me and people are often shocked when I tell them that I don’t even exercise when I go on a break.
It’s a holiday to me and I use it how I wish.
Just like you. You can do what you want with your holiday.
You could eat healthily.
You could eat all the crap or quite simple do both… just like me!
This blog has simply been put together so help you eat healthier on holiday (if you want to)
Breakfast
So it’s the beginning of the day. This meal can make or break the day. How you start a day can influence how you end the day.
What I mean by that is: if you nose dive straight into the pancakes and pastries then you are going to kick the living daylights out of your fat storing hormone insulin. You’ll be on a high but you will get an almighty bang when your sugar levels drop. When something shoots up, it always comes crashing down, and this will then leave you hunting for the next hit. Your brain takes over; people make choices they wouldn’t normally make when this happens.
Have you ever had that biscuit or cake and think why did I do that? I didn’t even want it!
I always advise people to try and leave their carb treats for later on in the day. This is why a good protein-rich breakfast with healthy fats is your best friend. This will help drive your two neurotransmitters – dopamine and choline – which basically make you feel good and spike motivation. A breakfast like this gives you a combination of the protein and fats which will leave you fuller longer so you’ll be in control longer and make better choices throughout the day.
Breakfasts, to me, are always simple and I always go and hunt down the omelette chef!
In this breakfast I have a fresh omelette, some german style sausage (not my favourite but it is a good meat choice), and some continental style meats. Yes, they’re processed, but when you view the bigger picture then again it is a protein option.
It can be tough to get some good fibre at breakfast but dried fruit works a treat in this instance. Wash that down with some water and green or peppermint tea and your day is off to a winner!
Ok so it’s my holiday and I can do what I choose, right?
Lunch
The beauty of holidays (especially if you go abroad) is that you find that you’ll eat stuff that you don’t typically eat. This is great so for me, this gives me a chance to explore and try stuff I don’t normally consume.
People automatically think that a holiday is full of bad food. Well it can be… but you could if you wanted to actually eat healthier than back in the UK!
I have actually seen people come back from holidays lighter! This is possibly because they make bad choices at home and actually eat healthier by choosing wholesome foods, stuff they have never tried, and it tastes great so they repeat it.
I go on all the time how diets do not work and quite frankly suck! Eating ‘real’ food is and has always been the answer.
So what’s on my plate here?
Dinner
Chicken, Turkish meat balls, grilled fish and salad. The salad abroad is considerably better than back home here in the UK. Another reason people can eat healthier on holiday as they feed their body with nutrients they haven’t been doing!
Good old water! Anyone who works with me knows how much I go on about water, it is our most essential nutrient and one that most people lack! Sounds crazy but people do not drink enough water! Now on holiday it’s a must. Whatever you drink over here in the UK you’ll need at least TWICE as much as you probably consume at home.
If you’re going to drink on holiday then you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of water in.
Another example of how easy it is to have a high protein and fat meal. This was one of my evening choices which contain some chicken, grilled fish, prawns and lean turkish kebab meat with salad.
Ok, Ok! So I like to eat healthy food but I still know how to enjoy myself.
Now I mentioned earlier about how to set up your day by eating high protein and healthy fat meals. So by doing this you can then allow yourself to treat yourself to those amazing desserts that you always see on offer.
By using this approach you’re still allowing yourself to eat what you want but be more mindful of your choices. Carbs also work better later on in the day as they increase serotonin levels.
Now I bet you’ve heard the opposite about that, right? These golden nugget pieces of information are what I discuss in my private members’ area for my personal training clients.
I love chocolate!
Here you can see some profiteroles and some kind of chocolate fudge and biscuit thing (these were my holiday favourites).
You can’t go to Turkey and not try the Baklava!
Alcohol typically plays a major role in most people’s holidays
Now, I don’t drink that much anymore, but when I go on holiday I certainly let my hair down and sink a few drinks!
It’s always fun to go down the list on the menu and try all of the cocktails. Keep your water levels high, then the effects of the alcohol won’t be as bad.
For anyone who does like a drink then I do actually have a remedy that can help reduce your hangovers!
You see, I know how the detoxify the liver with the right steps. Again, I discuss this stuff in my private members’ area.
I will however give you this tip: If you do like a drink and you’re a little health conscious then drinking a good quality red wine is your best option.
Red wine contains the plant compound resveratrol which has numerous health benefits. If you don’t believe me then ask Mr Google!
P.S – If you really like your protein then you could always just eat a big fish!
P.P.S – Enjoy your holiday!
