03 Aug A Balanced Approach To Summer Holidays

Most of us know how it feels to come back from a holiday having gained weight. It’s not a nice feeling. But weight gain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of your summer travels. It is possible to enjoy your holiday, eat delicious food, and return home feeling energised rather than sluggish, bloated and struggling to fit into your clothes.

When my team and I work with clients to help them lose weight, we usually agree that the goal for their holiday is to maintain their weight. This allows for some flexibility without completely undoing their progress. I was recently contacted by the Mail to write an article on how to enjoy healthy local delicacies while you’re abroad, and still prioritise your health.

MY EXPERIENCE

I spent years in a cycle of eating restrictively, then overeating at weekends or while on holiday. Now, eating healthily is just my default. It’s what I do whether at home or on holiday. There is no feeling of guilt or restriction. I might enjoy a dairy free ice cream or a bowl of pasta in Italy, but you won’t find me making repeat visits to the breakfast buffet like I once did! I understand the challenges many of my clients face around food, because I have experienced them too and overcome them.

One thing that hasn’t changed is my enjoyment of food. I still want to eat meals that taste good, and I want the same for my clients. Humans are designed to derive pleasure from food. It’s what motivated us to put in the effort to hunt and gather food back in days when it was scarce. While many processed foods are marketed as treats, healthy meals can be just as enjoyable, if not more so.

We are a team of qualified, experienced nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’d like to find out how we can help you overcome your weight challenges naturally, achieve your desired weight and maintain it long term, we invite you to book a complimentary call to learn more.

READ MY ARTICLE IN THE MAIL

The Daily Mail recently asked me to write an article about healthy eating while on holiday. The idea was to look at popular destinations and highlight local dishes that are both delicious and healthy. It was a fun piece to work on and gave me plenty of inspiration for meals to try at home. If you would like to read it, you can find the article here. 

WHAT TO EAT ON HOLIDAY 

If you’ve read my article in the Mail you probably have a good idea of some Mediterranean-inspired meals to keep you feeling at your best at this time of year, but what should you order while you’re on holiday? You can read my comprehensive guide to ways to avoid holiday weight gain here, but here are a few extra things to keep in mind when travelling. 

When it comes to making healthier choices on holiday, the key is to approach meals with a sense of balance and enjoyment rather than restriction. Think of your holiday meals as a key part of your local experience, and opt for meals that are rich in fresh, local ingredients; think grilled fish or seafood, colourful salads, lean meats, and plenty of vegetables. These dishes are often naturally lower in calories and higher in nutrients, helping you feel satisfied and energised. Mediterranean restaurants offer vibrant salads drizzled with olive oil, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit for dessert. In Asian countries, look for stir-fries, steamed dishes, and soups with vegetables and lean proteins. Breakfast can set the tone for your day: instead of pastries and sugary cereals, choose eggs, yoghurt, fruit, or whole grain bread with a little cheese or avocado.

And as for what not to eat on holiday, it’s also wise to be mindful of what to avoid or limit. Buffet meals, while tempting, can encourage overindulging. Try to fill your plate once with a balanced selection rather than going back for seconds. Deep-fried foods, creamy sauces, and heavily processed snacks are best enjoyed occasionally rather than as daily staples. Sugary cocktails and soft drinks can quickly add up in calories, so consider sparkling water with fresh fruit, or a glass of dry wine with dinner.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making choices that leave you feeling your best. By focusing on quality over quantity and taking your time with mindful eating, you can enjoy your holiday without feeling like you’re missing out on anything, and return home with no feelings of regret.

WORK WITH US

If you feel you would benefit from support with prioritising your health and avoiding weight gain while still enjoying your holiday this summer, you can use this link to book a call with me. We can talk through how my team and I can help you feel your best both during your holiday and when you return.

This post was originally an email sent out to my newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to sign up to my free weekly weight loss email, you can do so here.