Chances are summer has a way of throwing you off your routine.
Between vacations, kids being home, cookouts, holidays (with lots of food options), later nights, time at the ballpark, and less structure, it is no wonder people feel overwhelmed and feel like they can’t still move toward their goals.
Now that I am a parent, I want to be sure that we are utilizing the summer months to take some sort of family vacation or trip. I am here to tell you that our first summer that we took a family trip completely rocked my world routine-wise. I had no plan going into the trip in terms of exercise and nutrition, and I felt like I just reverted to what was easy, which was not eating well and not exercising. AT ALL.
I will always have clients aim for the approach of consistency over perfection. Consistently good will always beat occasionally great.
During the summer months, I aim to stick to “bare minimums” in terms of habits. These are things I can achieve any day, no matter where I am, at home or on the road.
Here is what we can aim for:
Prioritize protein at every meal
Whether you are eating at a restaurant or from a rental or hotel, chances are you will be able to get some form of a decent protein option wherever you are. Build your plate around that protein option.
Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day
If I weigh 180 pounds, I should aim to drink 90 ounces of water a day, no matter where I am. This especially matters on vacation. Water intake matters any day, but especially on vacation, as you may be spending additional time outdoors. Water also aids in reducing food cravings.
10K steps
Movement matters. Walking is low-intensity cardio that benefits you in many ways. It also can be fun to get out, go on a walk, and explore new places.
Walk for 10 minutes after each meal
A 10-minute gentle stroll starting shortly after eating provides major benefits, like balancing blood sugar, beating post-meal fatigue, and reducing digestive issues like bloating and acid reflux.
Schedule your workouts, even on vacation
If it is on your calendar, you are more likely to stick to it. Even a quick 15- to 20-minute workout can keep you moving toward your goals. Even if you don’t have equipment, you can get some great bodyweight workouts in or even go on a jog.
Summer should be enjoyable. You can still have fun while also making progress.
If your health depends on having a perfect schedule, it’s probably not a sustainable plan. Build habits that fit real life, because real life isn’t going to slow down.
Our goal for our clients is to help them build habits that they can sustain year-round. If you need help coming up with a plan, visit the link below, and we will reach out.