I’ve just returned from a wonderful mini family reunion in New Smyrna beach in Florida. Traveling and celebrating can be fun and rejuvenating, but it can also take a toll on healthy habits. Happy hour in our family starts early and runs long! It’s not just an extra cocktail (or two), but the endless cheese, crackers and as Uncle Bill likes to say, “snicky snacks.”
Here are a few of my go to strategies for getting back on track the day after.
1. Schedule workouts for the week: On the plane home I planned my workouts for the week: two Jazzercise classes, two Pure Barre classes, one walk at the beach(weather permitting), one DVD at home, plus one open day or as a rest day. Make sure to include a variety in your schedule. Put them in PEN, BUT have a back up plan. I’ve got a DVR full of Classical Stretch workouts which I can turn to for Plan B in case something keeps me from getting to any of the scheduled classes I’m planning on. They’re short (about 25 min) and simple and I can easily sneak one in if plans change.
2. Set yourself up for food success: Even before tackling the laundry, within an hour or two of arriving home, our frig was stocked with plenty of veggies for the next few days, as well as chicken breasts to be grilled for the next day’s dinner and a piece of fish. Believe me, the laundry isn’t going anywhere. Now we are set for healthy meals right out of the gate!
3. Create some open space in your calendar for catch up: No doubt SOMETHING unexpected cropped up while you were gone. I blocked out some time before leaving to wade through emails and handle bills and any other surprises awaiting me.
4. Be kind to yourself: If you overindulged, don’t beat yourself up. Chances are you don’t eat (or drink) that way every day of the week. Be kind to yourself and remember what’s really important – like making time for family, which in our case comes with A LOT of laughs, and plenty of love.
