Struggling to get back on track after vacation? Don’t beat yourself up! Use these 5 tips to head in the right direction again.

When we travel we normally don’t work out (other than hiking) but we do try and keep our nutrition in check while on vacation. In order to save money, we rent an Airbnb or VRBO property (email us at thegang@heandsheeatclean.com for more information on Airbnb and VRBO) or a hotel room with a kitchenette. While it may seem more expensive each night, it definitely pays off being able to eat a few meals in the room which helps stay on track and save money.

For example, on a trip to San Diego, we ate tacos multiple times, donuts from the Donut Bar, and cookie ice cream sandwiches from the Baked Bear (yes, it was all just as good as it sounds). On the other hand, many of our meals consisted of the Whole Foods salad bar and eggs and toast for breakfast and turkey sandwiches for lunch (made in our condo). Even though we only ate out once a day at the most, our bodies were definitely feeling the oils and sodium that they aren’t used to.

Related: Tips to Eat Healthy and Save Money While Traveling

This is what we call vacation balance:

As I “reset” my body I decided that I would share this information since many of you will probably be taking vacations soon too. These tips don’t apply to just vacations though, these are tips to get back on track at any time!

5 Tips to Get Back on Track After Vacation

1. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

You don’t need to get back from vacation and “work off” what you ate. You don’t need to do two-hour cardio sessions. You don’t need to mentally abuse yourself with negative thoughts about how you should have done things differently. There is absolutely nothing positive that will come of this behavior.

2. Don’t Weigh Yourself

If you feel sluggish and/or bloated, you know it. The scale is only going to tell you the same thing but will more than likely put you in a bad mood and maybe even make your behavior spiral out of control and send you into a binge. You know how you feel and how your pants fit, weighing yourself only to find out you’ve “gained” five pounds on vacation will do no good. Speaking of, most of the “weight” you gain will be in the form of water weight.

RELATED: Stories from my scale and why you need to ditch yours for good

3. Increase Water Consumption and Avoid Alcohol

Increase your water consumption when you return from your trip. Try making the Jillian Michaels’ Detox Water, Refreshing Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink, or one of our many other flavored water recipes for a little different twist on just plain water. Try to only drink water or unsweetened tea – no juice or soda. Also, avoid alcohol.

4. Start/Continue Your Workout Plan

Now is a great time to start a new workout plan or pick up where you left off on your previous plan. Going to the gym (or your home workout space) with a clear direction will help you get back into the habit and reach your goals much faster. We have 4, 6, and 12-week workout plans to choose from!

RELATED: 5 Reasons why you need a fitness plan

5. Eat Real, Whole Unprocessed Foods

We don’t believe in juice cleanses or crazy restrictive detoxes. When you get back jump back into eating real, whole foods as quickly as possible. Don’t continue the “vacation eating” for weeks. Although prepping food might be the last thing you want to do, your body will thank you! Look for things like rotisserie chicken that you can use many different ways for a few days until you get back into the swing of things.

RELATED: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Meal Prep

What else helps you get back on track after vacation?

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