Pound Proof Your Vacation

By: Yvette Quantz

Once a year my family (husband, daughter, parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins) rent a group of condos on the beach. It is something we look forward to all year long; a time to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories. However, if your summer vacation is anything like mine then it probably revolves around three things: family, fun, and FOOD! Food is the one topic that everyone seems to love to talk about. Weeks of planning for: WHAT we are going to eat, WHEN we are going to eat and WILL we have ENOUGH to eat? I promise a lack of food is never a problem!

If you can relate to this, then you know vacation can be the perfect time to ditch your diet plan, let loose, relax, and indulge! However, I am here to caution you otherwise. While vacation certainly is not the time to try and lose those last few pounds, it is also not your permission slip to go wild at the buffet. Instead of feeling like it is an all or nothing occasion, shop the vacation pantry the same way you shop your favorite department store. Do you spend your hard earned dollars on everything you see just because it is “on sale”? If you are minding your wallet these days the answer is probably no. You probably make a decision about what you really want to spend your money on and then purchase with pleasure, delight and enjoyment. This is the same way you should view the vacation pantry – make a decision about where you really want to spend your calories –then enjoy with no guilt!

3 Simple Tips to a Pound Proof Vacation:

1. Be active. Go swimming, play volleyball, join a friend in a game of Frisbee or go for something as simple as a run or walk. The more you move the better!
2. Avoid letting yourself get too hungry. There is nothing worse than being around tempting food when you are hungry…therefore prevent this by eating something small every 3 – 4 hours.
3. Think appetizer portion! Whether dining out or eating in, serve yourself an appetizer portion. This is an easy way that you can enjoy your favorite foods without the guilt. (Believe me, I know. This was my mantra on my family vacation...and it worked!)

Yvette Quantz is a well respected Lifestyle and Sports Nutritionist based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Louisiana Dietetic Association, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionist, Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Nutrition and Complimentary Care, and a Certified Eating Coach. You can visit her website at: http://www.foodtherapyonline.com/