The fear of weight gain while on holiday!

So youve been going to the gym 4x a week, youve worked hard and eaten well & you feel good, now its time to drive to the airport, unwind & jump on that plane. Now what?

Weight fluctuates naturally from day to day from week to week and from year to year and to try to control that — it really just causes distress when we aren't too sure why this happens.

An average persons weight can fluctuate by up to 5lbs per day because of natural functions like sweating, breathing, peeing, eating, and drinking. 

Studies also show that eating more carbs than usual, eating saltier foods, and traveling to warmer climates — all things that may happen while on holiday can make the number on the scales increase, even though your body mass doesn't actually change.

Going on holiday should be super fun however many of my girls tell me about their worries while being on holiday. Eating too much, gaining weight & "ruining" their progress. My answer is always the same. Holidays should be enjoyed, small weight jumps are normal and once back to reality the quickly gained weight will fall off.

However, sometimes this doesn't help a client. Instead it panics them & they begin to fear their well deserved break.

Here are some of my tips to minimise weight gain and will help mentally when feeling a little fuller while abroad.

▪️fill your plates with salad and veg while at the all inclusive. Food will always be there so helping yourself to 3rds/4ths/5th servings will only leave you feeling ridiculously full and bloated.

▪️Eat slowly, the mind and belly take some time to process food coming in. Eat slower! There's no need to inhale.

▪️ Eat fresh! The best thing about holidays is that their full of fresh foods - fresh fish, grilled meats & fresh bakery bread. Avoid salty processed foods.

▪️ Eat when you're hungry. Yes the food is avaliable all day but if you're not hungry then don't feel obliged to scoff whatever they are offering.

▪️Walk alot! Go see the sights.. the world is a beautiful place so enjoy it!

▪️ Do the classes! Aqua aerobics, yoga, zumba.. that annoying bloke walking round should "aqua gyyyyymmm" will be your bestie this year.

▪️Swap the ice cream to frozen yoghurt! Just as nice & halves the calorie intake. It's fresher too!

▪️Opt for the lower cal cocktails if youre feeling anxious - long island ice teas, mojitos & expresso martinis are some of the lower calorie choices. So opt for these if you're feeling anxious. Or order the spirits- gin & tonic, vodka diet coke, whiskeys & rums are all the lower calorie options.

▪️There’s always plenty of fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereals to choose from at most all-inclusive breakfast, so filling a bowl with some yoghurt, some fruit of your choice and a sprinkling of some cereal or nuts for a little crunch is the perfect way to kick start the day. Toast, beans on toast & freshly made omelette are all a filling & healthy choice. Boiled eggs & soldiers comes to mind.

▪️Cooked meats and fish are usually readily available at lunchtime & dinner time at all-inclusive buffets and there’s usually a pretty extensive salad bar too, so it’s relatively easy to throw together a filling and tasty salad that is fresh and light on your stomach so you feel well energised.

Try and look for meats such as chicken, turkey or pork if it’s on offer or non-battered fishes. There’s also sometimes cold meats and cheeses for you to choose from which can work as an alternative if you're struggling to find meat or are Veggies!

Above are some of my tips to staying healthy & active while on holiday.

Lastly what you have to remember is that a holiday is booked for a break (so give yourself a break!), Don't get caught up in the ideology that this is easily done because trust me, you really should just enjoy yourself 💝

Love j x