I’ve been on holiday…
…and I’ve still managed to lose 1.5kg (more specifically almost 2% body fat).
For the last couple of weeks I’ve been to one of our favourite places, Pollensa in Mallorca. This year was our 10th year and it was just as special as the first time we came. One thing was different though, and that was despite never feeling that I was restricting my self in terms of what I ate or drank, I managed to lose 2% body fat without even trying. I had absolutely no intention of losing anything - it just happened.
Here’s what I did…
Every morning I got up about an hour before the kids (not difficult when my husband kept to his usual morning routine of checking work emails to keep an eye on his business while we were away), and I either swam, went for a run, a hike or paddleboard. I didn’t keep to any targets, I just wanted to use the time away from work to really make myself feel better, and exercising and eating good food is the way to do that for me. So I just did as much as felt right. Some days I’d just walk along the beach, or we’d park further away from the port so the kids could scooter to dinner while I kept my steps up but I never saw any of it as formal exercise.
I’d get back each morning and have breakfast then the rest of the day would be spent either messing about in the pool or at the beach. We walked around the Old Town during market day and we hired a pedalo a couple of times, but mostly it was a breeze.
I drank a lot…of water. When it’s hot we need to drink more water (I don’t have to tell you because I bang on about it so much). So constantly drinking water suppresses your appetite, meaning no mindless snacking. Even when the kids were ordering ice creams I just didn’t want any. A lovely Mediterranean salad or cold meats with cheese and grapes felt plenty for lunch followed by a BBQ or tapas, pizza or fish for dinner, giving me plenty of energy for my morning exercise the next day.
I’m not a big drinker so the odd glass of wine or sangria was never going to be enough to add many calories but again, drinking water with any alcohol just means you drink less over the course of the evening.
Maybe this doesn’t sound like your idea of a holiday - and believe me, my 20 - 30 year old self would agree with you. But it was just perfect for my almost 40 year old self now. Instead of coming back feeling like I need another holiday to get over it, I feel refreshed, ready to get back to work and enjoy the rest of the summer with the kids.
And I’m a little lighter and more toned than when I went!
So, if you’re about to go away for the summer keep these tips in mind:
Keep moving - although the sun lounger may be calling you, give yourself a bit of time in the morning to move. Swim, stretch, walk, hire a bike, do some yoga, dance! You can still get a sun tan doing all of these things.
Eat local, fresh produce. If you’re in the Med eat the fish and the amazing variety of vegetables they have on offer.
Drink as much water as you can.
Limit alcohol consumption, or drink water between your Mojitos.
Take time to unwind and switch off, even if you can take just 15 minutes to yourself.
And if you aren’t managing to jet away this year, you can still do all of these things at home.
While I was away I had the chance to think and evaluate how well my business works for me. I need to make some changes over the next few months to ensure I can do the things I love to do with my work, as well as have more family time and time for ME!