Holiday Hacks- How to stay consistent without missing out on the foods you love!
You’ve waited all year for that summer holiday and you want to make the most of it right? You want to enjoy that all inclusive buffet or the restaurants that you’ve already planned to go to having spent hours searching online for the best spots in town. And rightly so. If you’re a foodie like me, chances are a big portion of the holiday will be spent trying out the local cuisine.
Whilst indulging in the local delights is a must, have you ever felt like you’ve come back off holiday feeling bloated, tired and actually feel like you could do with another holiday to recover from the last one?
When on holiday and out of our usual routine, daily habits often get forgotten which can mean we easily fall into those bad habits of eating mindlessly, not moving as much and sleep becomes disrupted from having one too many margaritas. (Check out my recent blog on why sleep is so important ) Whilst there is no shame in this, what if I told you, you could still enjoy doing all the things you love but instead of coming home fatigued, bloated and unmotivated, you could come home feeling rested and bursting with energy, After all, isn’t that what holidays are all about?
In this months blog, I share my top tips on how to stay energised without feeling like you’re missing out.
Morning Sunlight
There’s nothing better than waking up before everyone else and heading out for a morning walk.
The light we get first thing in the morning is a different type of light to what we get the rest of the day. Those red and orange colours you get in the morning sends messages to the brain which tells us our body is awake and ready for the day which can help keep our energy levels steady over the course of the day.
All you need is 10-15 minutes of that early daylight exposure to help regulate your circadian rhythm aka your sleep-wake cycle.
Not only will you be getting the morning daylight, you’ll also be getting a bit of movement in.
Avoid wearing sunglasses here to get the most out of the light as it’s your eyes that will absorb the light and send messages to your brain that you’re ready for the day!
2. Prioritise protein
It’s so easy when we’re away to over indulge on the delicious carbs that are on offer! (Hello pastries, cakes, pasta)
If the majority of what you’re eating is carbohydrates, this can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels throughout the day making you feel tired, grouchy and even more hungry.
This can lead you to chase more carbohydrates and before you know it, you’re on a blood sugar rollercoaster you’re entire holiday.
I’m not saying you can’t have carbohydrates, but you want to ensure you’re eating protein with it. For example, if you fancy a coffee and pastry for breakfast, could you have it with a side of Greek yoghurt with a few nuts? This will keep you fuller for longer and you wont be craving a snack an hour later! .
3. Take the long walk home
There are two types of people when it comes to holidays. Those that love to explore and can’t spend more than 5 minutes sunbathing and those that love to spend an entire day by the pool working hard on their tan.
If you’re someone that likes to spend the day by the pool, your body is getting very little movement in and whilst you may think that helps your body to rest, it can actually make you feel more tired if you do it everyday.
This is why I’d encourage you to make the most of the mornings or evenings. When you get that morning daylight, take a longer walk or jog. You can still be back by breakfast and ready for your day by the pool.
Or if you’re heading out for dinner in the evening, could you take a different route home where you get to explore some of the town whilst getting some extra movement in?
4. Let’s talk alcohol…
I remember someone telling me once that you’re always chasing that feeling that you get from that first drink. This really stuck with me, as I’ve found it to be so true.
You know the feeling, the buzz, the burst of confidence whilst feeling super relaxed. It feels so good that we want more of it. But after that first drink, you don’t get it back. In fact drinking more and more often leads to the opposite, where you feel tired, bloated with a headache whilst knowing the next day is going to be spent nursing a hangover.
We lose our inhibitions more when we’re drinking, which often means we have less awareness which can lead to mindless drinking. Hydration is also key, particularly if you’re in a hot destination so always ask for a bottle of water for the table, and aim to have a glass of water after each drink.
Be mindful of the sugar content in drinks as the sugar will only add to the poor sleep and hangover, so limit your cocktails to one or two and choose the ones which have a clear spirit, topped with tonic and the whole fruit, rather than fruit juices and fizzy pop.
However you choose to enjoy your summer holiday, I hope you can take these tips along with you to enhance your experience and provide you with the energy and relaxation that holidays are made for.